DETROIT – FORCE Detroit is launching a new monthly outreach effort called the “Caravan of Love” that will bring violence-prevention resources and other services directly into neighborhoods on Detroit’s west side.
The tour is scheduled to take place on one Friday each month in the city’s 7th District, leading up to Election Day in November.
Organizers will go door-to-door, connecting residents with services focused on workforce development, housing assistance, youth programming, voter registration, and more.
“We have some great, fruitful conversations,” said Lynn Wiggins, FORCE Detroit’s interim advocacy and campaigns director.
“There’s a lot of people who were unaware of what we do, some who are actual participants and know exactly what we do, and others who are just curious.”
FORCE Detroit is one of the city’s community violence intervention groups and works to prevent retaliatory violence after shootings, including connecting residents with youth mentorship and mental health support.
For some families, the work is personal.
Latina Mack, whose 17-year-old son, Elijah Whetstone, was killed in gun violence, said meeting people who share similar experiences can make a difference.
“I know how important it is to show up for people in that capacity,” Mack said. “It’s a pain that even though other people around us, they empathize with us, they feel sad for us, it’s just different when you share the same pain.”
DeLisa Glaspie, whose 18-year-old son, Khalil Allen, was also killed, started a nonprofit called Seize the Smoke in his honor.
“I didn’t have a clue what I was even experiencing, but FORCE Detroit made it clear that the community wanted to wrap their arms around me,” Glaspie said.
Glaspie now partners with FORCE Detroit to help reach young people.
“Despite the senseless, unstoppable crime, each one, reach one, teach one, is really what this is all about,” Glaspie said.
Organizers said the goal is to build trust and connect residents with help through one-on-one conversations.
“We have to change that narrative, and this is how we do it — grassroots organizing, one-on-one talking to individuals, understanding their issues, and helping solve the problems,” Wiggins said.
Information about Detroit’s community violence intervention organizations is available on the city’s website.