Cornerstone Urban Alliance transforms lives in Detroit's most underserved neighborhoods — through housing, workforce training, youth empowerment, reentry support, and community wellness.
"We address housing, workforce, behavioral health, and youth development together — because lasting change requires the whole person."
Est. 1990 · Light House YC & CUA · Detroit, MI
Workforce Training · Detroit
Financial Literacy Class
Electrical Training
What We Do
Six Core Programs. One Holistic Mission.
Every program is designed to meet Detroit residents where they are — and walk alongside them toward stability, dignity, and long-term success. All services are free for eligible residents.
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Workforce Reentry Initiative
Construction workforce training and paid transitional employment for justice-involved adults. OSHA-10 and NCCER credentialing, apprenticeship placement with LIUNA Local 334 and Carpenters Local 687, and 7 integrated service domains from pre-release through post-release stabilization.
Organization Led
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Affordable Housing & EcoNest Living
Safe, affordable housing for families, veterans, and individuals experiencing homelessness. EcoNest Living Solutions offers modular, energy-efficient eco-homes — making sustainable living accessible across Detroit's neighborhoods for those who need it most.
Housing Stability
🧠
Youth Behavioral Health Diversion
Community-based diversion and integrated treatment for youth ages 12–17 with substance use and mental health needs. Cross-system coordination with Detroit Police Department, Wayne County Juvenile Court, and DWIHN — connecting young people to evidence-based care before deeper justice involvement.
Community & Reentry Initiative
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Youth Reentry Pathways
A pre-release-to-post-release continuum for justice-involved youth ages 16–24. Individualized Reentry Pathway Plans, peer mentorship, transitional housing, paid work-based learning through neighborhood revitalization projects, and 24 months of post-release community engagement.
Community Collaboration
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Veteran Support Services
Specialized services honoring those who served — housing assistance, job placement, counseling, and benefits navigation for Detroit-area veterans transitioning to civilian life or facing housing and employment instability. Dedicated case management and wraparound support.
Veteran Services
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Community Wellness
Wellness workshops, support groups, financial literacy education, behavioral health linkage, and wraparound case management. Promoting resilience and whole-person health for residents across all program areas — because healing and stability go hand in hand.
Organization Led
Our Impact
35 Years of Lineage. Results That Speak.
From Sacramento to Detroit — our work is measured in lives stabilized, futures built, and communities strengthened. Every number represents a person.
70+
Justice-involved adults trained through Detroit Construction Workforce Initiative since 2022
63%
Employment & apprenticeship transition rate — exceeding the national baseline by more than 20 points
12–18
Detroit residential properties rehabilitated through paid training job sites in Wayne County
35+
Years of combined organizational experience — Light House Youth Centers (1990) + CUA (2018)
Our Approach
Why Holistic Support Works
We don't treat housing, employment, and wellness as separate problems. We address them together — because they always are.
01
Pre-release planning & in-facility access
Case managers enter facilities before release — building relationships, developing Individual Reentry Plans, and lining up housing and employment before someone walks out the door.
02
Immediate stabilization on release
Housing navigation, transportation support, benefits enrollment, and employer onboarding in the first 72 hours — the highest-risk window for reoffending and housing loss.
03
Workforce training & paid employment
Hands-on construction training at active rehab sites, OSHA-10 and NCCER credentials, and direct employer partnerships — turning training into real, lasting jobs and union apprenticeships.
04
Long-term retention & community connection
30-, 90-, and 180-day follow-up, behavioral health linkage, peer mentorship, and community wellness programming — sustaining the gains and preventing relapse into crisis.
Rooted in Detroit. Trusted by the Community.
"Our combination of established community presence, cross-system experience, and deep commitment to Detroit's youth and families positions us to deliver with excellence, accountability, and lasting impact."
✓Wayne County Jail & MDOC pre-release access via MOU
✓Wayne County Juvenile Court & DPD cross-system coordination
✓U.R. Holdings, Inc. — paid construction job sites since 2022
Light House Youth Centers, Inc. founded — launching 35 years of reentry, workforce, and community programming, ultimately serving 3,200+ individuals across California.
2018
2018 · CUA Established
Cornerstone Urban Alliance founded as an extension of Light House YC — carrying forward its program model, institutional knowledge, and commitment to measurable outcomes.
2022
2022 · Detroit Launch
CUA relocates operations to Detroit — one of the nation's highest-poverty cities — launching the Construction Workforce Initiative with U.R. Holdings, Inc. and achieving a 63% employment transition rate in year one.
Today
Today · 6 Core Programs
CUA operates six integrated programs across reentry, workforce, youth behavioral health, housing, veterans services, and community wellness — funded by federal and state grants with a clean compliance record.
Detroit has one of the highest urban poverty rates in the nation. Chronic unemployment, housing instability, an overwhelmed juvenile justice system, and reentry barriers compound each other — trapping families in cycles that no single program can break. That's why we operate across all of them.
Cornerstone Urban Alliance is headquartered at 11000 W McNichols Rd in Detroit — operating with the trust of Wayne County's institutions, the credibility of three decades of organizational lineage, and the urgency of a city that needs it most.
Every program Cornerstone Urban Alliance provides is free of charge to eligible Detroit & Wayne County residents. No fees, no barriers — just compassionate, comprehensive support for the people who need it most.
Connect With Us
We Respond to Every Inquiry Within 24 Hours.
Whether you're seeking services, looking to partner, or want to support our mission — we want to hear from you.
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Address11000 W McNichols Rd, STE 323, Detroit, MI 48221
Response TimeAll inquiries answered within 24 hours
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No FeesAll services are free for eligible Detroit residents
🌱 Sustainable Housing Initiative
Homes Built for Stability, Dignity & the Future
EcoNest Living transforms repurposed shipping containers into permanent, energy-efficient homes for Detroit residents who need a real foundation — not a temporary shelter.
Code-compliant permanent residences on Detroit lots
$0
Closing Cost to eligible Detroit residents — all services free
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Connected to Cornerstone's Workforce Reentry Initiative: EcoNest homes are partly rehabilitated by justice-involved adults in our paid construction training program — creating housing while building careers simultaneously.
EcoNest Fabrication · Detroit, MI
Building sustainable homes from repurposed shipping containers
♻️Repurposed shipping containers
☀️Solar panels + high-efficiency insulation
🏙Fits urban infill lots across Detroit
🔒Permanent foundation, fully code-compliant
💲Affordable — deeply below market rate
What Is EcoNest Living?
A Practical Answer to Detroit's Housing Crisis
Detroit's housing crisis is real. Thousands of families face housing insecurity, veterans return from service without stable places to land, and individuals leaving incarceration have nowhere to go. The traditional housing market isn't moving fast enough — or affordably enough — to meet the need.
EcoNest Living is our answer. We repurpose durable shipping containers into permanent, energy-efficient homes designed specifically for Detroit's urban landscape — placed on vacant or underused lots without displacing longtime residents or changing neighborhood character.
These aren't temporary shelters. They are real homes — on permanent foundations, fully code-compliant, thoughtfully designed for everyday living, and built to last for decades.
Smart Use of Space
Modular container design maximizes interior functionality on narrow or irregularly shaped urban parcels that conventional builders won't touch.
Durability by Design
Shipping containers are engineered to withstand extreme conditions. Properly modified and insulated, they outperform many traditional builds in longevity and structural integrity.
Community-First Placement
Every EcoNest site is selected to strengthen existing neighborhoods — filling vacant lots, reducing urban blight, and adding housing supply without displacement.
By the Numbers: EcoNest vs. Conventional
50–70%
Faster build completion time
20–40%
Lower total build cost
30%+
Lower monthly utility costs with solar + insulation
100%
Eligible residents pay zero — fully subsidized
What Makes This Work
Structural shell already exists — no framing from scratch
Standardized repeatable design = cost control at scale
Fits narrow, vacant urban parcels — Detroit has thousands
Built by CUA's construction trainees — workforce + housing in one
Shipping containers give us a structural head start — cutting time, cost, and waste while producing homes that are built to last in Detroit's climate and conditions.
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50–70% faster
Dramatically Shorter Build Time
The structural shell already exists — eliminating most framing labor and weather delay risks. A family can move into a completed EcoNest home in a fraction of the time a conventional build takes, getting people off waitlists and into stable housing faster.
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20–40% lower cost
Lower Construction Cost
Eliminating conventional framing and structural labor is where the savings are. Those savings flow directly into building more homes for more people — not into overhead. Combined with our workforce training integration, total project cost stays deeply affordable.
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1,000s of Detroit lots
Perfect for Detroit's Urban Infill
Detroit has thousands of vacant, narrow, or irregular parcels that conventional builders pass over. Container homes are modular and precisely sized for exactly these spaces — letting us build where need is greatest without bulldozing established blocks.
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30%+ energy savings
Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
Every EcoNest home is fitted with solar panels and high-quality insulation, reducing resident utility costs by 30% or more month-over-month. We use materials that would otherwise become waste — turning what already exists into something that builds community.
Our Home Models
Three Home Configurations. Designed for Real Families.
Each EcoNest model is purpose-designed for a specific household need — from individuals in transition to families needing more space. All are permanent, fully code-compliant, and built to the same high standard.
Studio / Single
EcoNest One
Container units1 × 20ft or 40ft
Square footage~320–480 sq ft
BedroomsStudio / 1 BD
Best forSingles, reentry, veterans
Build time6–10 weeks
Solar panel system + battery backup
Full kitchen & bathroom
High-efficiency HVAC insulation
Permanent foundation
City code compliant
Ideal for Reentry & Veterans
Family Home
EcoNest Family
Container units2 × 40ft combined
Square footage~640–800 sq ft
Bedrooms2–3 bedrooms
Best forFamilies, single parents
Build time10–14 weeks
Solar panels + full utility hookups
Open-concept living + dining
Dedicated children's bedroom(s)
Exterior porch or yard space
Permanent foundation
Most Popular Model
Multi-Unit / Community
EcoNest Cluster
Configuration3–6 units per site
Square footageVaries by site plan
LayoutMixed 1–2 BD units
Best forAffordable housing development
Build time16–24 weeks
Shared solar array — lower per-unit cost
Community green space integration
Standardized repeatable design
Ideal for vacant lot clusters
Scalable for development partners
Available for Developer Partners
Who We Serve
Housing for Those Who Need It Most
EcoNest Living prioritizes individuals and families who face the most significant barriers to stable housing in Detroit. All housing is free for eligible residents.
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Reentry & Justice-Involved
Individuals returning from incarceration face near-impossible housing barriers. EcoNest provides stable, permanent housing — often integrated directly with our Workforce Reentry Initiative — so returning residents can rebuild from a foundation, not from the street.
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Veterans
Detroit-area veterans who are experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or transition challenges receive priority access to EcoNest homes. Coordinated with our Veteran Support Services for wraparound benefits navigation and job placement.
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Families & Single Parents
Low-income families and single parents navigating Detroit's tight affordable housing market receive access to EcoNest Family homes — giving children a stable place to grow, attend school, and thrive without the disruption of housing insecurity.
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Individuals in Housing Crisis
Individuals experiencing homelessness or facing imminent housing loss — including those referred from our Community Wellness and behavioral health programs — can be fast-tracked into EcoNest homes as part of a stabilization plan.
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Partner Organizations
Nonprofit partners, social service agencies, and government programs can refer clients into the EcoNest pipeline. We coordinate with Wayne County agencies, Detroit Public Schools, and DWIHN to match housing with wraparound services.
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Community Developers
Mission-aligned developers and CDFIs can partner with EcoNest Living to deploy the EcoNest Cluster model at scale — leveraging our standardized design and construction expertise to build affordable housing developments faster and cheaper.
How to Apply
Four Steps to a Stable Home
Our application process is straightforward, supportive, and free. Our team walks alongside every applicant from inquiry through move-in.
1
Reach Out
Contact us by phone, email, or the form below. Tell us your situation — no judgment, no barriers. We respond within 24 hours.
2
Intake & Assessment
Our housing navigator meets with you to assess your needs, housing goals, and eligibility. We identify which model fits your household best.
3
Housing Plan
We develop a Housing Stability Plan connecting your EcoNest placement to any additional services you need — workforce, wellness, benefits, childcare.
4
Move In & Stabilize
Once placement is confirmed and the home is ready, you move in with ongoing case management support to help ensure long-term stability.
Ready for a Home? Let's Talk.
All EcoNest Living services are completely free for eligible Detroit residents. No fees, no barriers — just a real path to stable housing.
Response TimeAll inquiries answered within 24 hours
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No CostAll EcoNest Living services are free for eligible residents
🌟 Two Programs · One Mission
Detroit's Youth Deserve a Real Path Forward
Cornerstone Urban Alliance runs two integrated youth programs — one that diverts young people from the justice system before they go deeper in, and one that helps those already involved find their way back out.
For youth ages 12–17 with substance use or mental health needs — diverting them from formal justice involvement through evidence-based treatment and cross-system coordination.
Govt & State Funded · Ages 12–17
Program 2
Youth Reentry Pathways Initiative
For justice-involved youth ages 16–24 — a pre-release-to-post-release continuum including housing, paid work-based learning, education, and 24-month community engagement.
Govt & State Funded · Ages 16–24
120
Youth served annually across both programs
60%
Target reduction in re-arrest at 12-month follow-up
24mo
Post-release support for reentry youth
72hr
CYBHDI target treatment connection time after referral
Youth Mentorship · Detroit
Financial Literacy Class
Program Graduation
Program 1
Cornerstone Youth Behavioral Health Diversion Initiative (CYBHDI)
Ages 12–17 · Wayne County
About CYBHDI
Diversion Before Deeper Justice Involvement
Too many Detroit youth with substance use disorders and mental health needs are funneled into the juvenile justice system because a treatment pathway didn't reach them in time. CYBHDI is designed to change that.
The Cornerstone Youth Behavioral Health Diversion Initiative operates through a centralized Youth Access, Diversion, and Treatment Coordination Hub — accepting referrals from law enforcement, courts, schools, and families, triaging youth within 24 hours, and connecting them to evidence-based integrated treatment before formal justice involvement deepens.
We coordinate across Detroit Police Department, Wayne County Juvenile Court, Detroit Public Schools, and Detroit-Wayne Integrated Health Network — because diversion only works when every part of the system is connected.
Youth Access Line
A dedicated intake line staffed by licensed behavioral health clinicians, open extended hours with on-call coverage. Accepts referrals from all partner systems — GAIN-SS triage within 24 hours of referral.
Evidence-Based Treatment
MET/CBT-5, Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Intensive Outpatient Programming — delivered in youth-preferred community settings, not clinical offices.
Law Enforcement Co-Response
A direct call-in protocol for DPD officers to reach an on-call behavioral health clinician in the field — replacing the binary arrest/release decision with a clinically-grounded third option.
Wraparound Case Management
Each youth is assigned a dedicated Case Manager at intake who coordinates transportation, school attendance, family engagement, and inter-agency communication throughout the program.
Community Level — Outreach to at-risk youth not yet justice-involved; early identification through schools and community organizations; family-based prevention support.
1
Law Enforcement Contact — DPD co-response protocol activates behavioral health consultation at the point of police contact, before any arrest or processing decision is made.
2
Initial Court Contact — Collaboration with Wayne County Juvenile Court to implement treatment-based alternatives to detention and adjudication for eligible youth.
Program Outcome Targets
60–70%
Law-enforcement-referred youth diverted from formal arrest into community treatment
72 hrs
Target time from referral to first treatment appointment
60%
Reduction in re-arrest among program completers at 12-month follow-up
100%
Participants receiving individualized biopsychosocial assessment at intake
A Continuum From Inside the Walls to Out in the World
The Cornerstone Reentry Pathways Initiative serves justice-involved youth ages 16–24 returning to Wayne County communities following residential placement — beginning services inside the facility, before release, and sustaining engagement for 24 months after.
Services begin no later than 90 days before release. Every participant receives a Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) risk assessment and an individualized Reentry Pathway Plan connecting immediate stabilization with long-term opportunity across four coordinated phases.
P1
Phase 1: Pre-Release Preparation (90 days before release)
In-facility case management, risk assessment (YLS/CMI), Reentry Pathway Plan development, housing identification, employer pre-enrollment, and benefits setup — so Day 1 on the outside already has a plan.
P2
Phase 2: Immediate Stabilization (0–30 days post-release)
Transitional housing placement, transportation, clothing, identification documents, benefits enrollment, and immediate connection to workforce training and education services. The highest-risk window, fully supported.
P3
Phase 3: Active Engagement (1–12 months)
Paid work-based learning through neighborhood revitalization projects, GED completion, digital and financial literacy, peer mentorship, behavioral health linkage, and ongoing case management.
P4
Phase 4: Long-Term Support (12–24 months)
Alumni support, career advancement, education transitions, community leadership opportunities, and 12-month recidivism tracking through MDOC data-sharing agreement.
7 Integrated Service Domains
All services delivered from pre-release through 24 months post-release
1
Construction Workforce Training — Paid transitional employment through U.R. Holdings residential rehab sites; OSHA-10 and NCCER Core credentials
2
Education Services — GED preparation, digital literacy, financial literacy, career readiness curriculum
3
Housing Navigation & Stabilization — Transitional housing placement, housing stability planning, coordination with EcoNest Living
4
Job Readiness Training — Resume writing, mock interviews, professional development, employer referrals
5
Behavioral Health Intervention — Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), trauma-informed care, mental health linkage
6
Michigan Works! Co-Enrollment — Formal co-enrollment in Michigan Works! Offender Success pathway for workforce services
7
Reentry Case Management — Two dedicated case managers beginning in-facility, sustaining through 24 months; 1:30 average caseload
Credentials & Apprenticeships ASSISTANCE
OSHA-10NCCER CoreLIUNA Local 334Carpenters Local 687Michigan Works!
Program Structure
Learn. Build. Launch.
Both youth programs share a three-part framework that balances education, hands-on skill development, and transition support — meeting young people where they are and walking with them into what's next.
01
Learn
Building the educational and life-skills foundation every young person needs — whether completing a GED, developing financial literacy, or working through a treatment plan.
GED preparation & high school equivalency
Digital literacy & career readiness
Financial literacy & budgeting
Evidence-based behavioral health treatment
Individualized learning plans (YLS/CMI or IRCP)
02
Build
Real hands-on experience — in construction, community revitalization, and life. Youth earn credentials, wages, and confidence that no classroom alone can give.
Paid construction work at U.R. Holdings job sites
OSHA-10 and NCCER Core certification
Neighborhood revitalization projects in Detroit
Peer mentorship & leadership development
Soft skills, team building, and professional identity
03
Launch
The finish line isn't graduation — it's sustained success. We walk with every participant into employment, further education, or apprenticeship with long-term follow-up and alumni support.
Both programs are designed for Detroit and Wayne County youth who are facing real barriers. If you're not sure which program fits, contact us — we'll guide you to the right one.
Youth Behavioral Health Diversion (CYBHDI)
Ages 12–17 in Detroit or Wayne County
Substance use disorder or mental health needs (co-occurring or single diagnosis)
Referred by law enforcement, courts, schools, family, or self-referral
At-risk of juvenile justice involvement OR already in early system contact
Moderate to high risk per GAIN-SS or MAYSI-2 screening
No program cost to youth or families — all services free
Youth Reentry Pathways Initiative
Ages 16–24 returning to Wayne County communities
Currently incarcerated with release within 90 days, OR within 12 months post-release
Assessed as moderate to high risk of recidivism (YLS/CMI)
Under community supervision or probation/parole in Wayne County
Motivated to participate in education, workforce, and housing programming
No program cost — all services free for participants
Ready to Apply, Refer, or Partner?
Both programs are free for eligible youth. Referrals accepted from families, schools, courts, law enforcement, and social service agencies.
