The Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) opened its doors in downtown Detroit in 1982. Over the years, it has shifted its focus from emergency shelter services to making lifelong impacts to overcome generational poverty.
Today COTS provides emergency, transitional, and affordable housing that focuses on families. While many may envision a single mom with kids, COTS works with any family unit—a single dad, couples, a grandmother with guardianship, or an adult sibling caring for minor siblings.
In 2015, COTS moved to a Passport to Self-Sufficiency framework to best serve the needs of families. It is an evidence-based, human-centered approach that is individualized for every family because a one-size-fits-all structure does not address each person's unique needs. Every family and Mobility Coach set goals across five important domains—Health & Well-Being, Self-Regulation, Social/Emotional Balance, Preparing for Independence, and Educational Progress.
Far beyond the housing and meals, many programs provide, the COTS program offers coaching, social services, professional development, and employment opportunities. Rebel Nell has been one of the longest and strongest employment partners for COTS since the inception of this program.
For many of the participants in the COTS program, their employment at Rebel Nell may be their first real work experience or the first time they've been employed in some time. Rebel Nell prides itself on developing employment opportunities that support and benefit this population and works closely with COTS to ensure the participants are fulfilling their goals and always treated with integrity and dignity while positively impacting their path to success.
It is a trifecta of organizations that support the people employed through the COTS program. The non-profit Teach. Empower. Achieve (TEA) provides resources, coaching, and financial wellness programs to Rebel Nell employees, rounding out the support structure for COTS families working at Rebel Nell.
Rebel Nell is a stepping-stone, a transitional phase for these women and their families as they work towards their goals and become self-sufficient. COTS continues its relationship with families for as long as they need it, promising a sound foundation for success is built. We are honored to be a part of their journey.