2025 | Thrive Detroit

Thrive Detroit Street Paper

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Welcome to Thrive Detroit

At Thrive Detroit, we honor our roots as a street newspaper, a proud member of the international network of street papers. Our mission has always been to empower individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness by providing dignified opportunities to earn income while sharing stories that matter.

While we’ve paused print publications, Thrive Detroit is transitioning to an online platform to continue this vital work. Through donations and advertising revenue, we support those in need by partnering with organizations like COTS and offering direct opportunities for individuals to contribute stories and be compensated for their work.

Our Commitment

Keeping the Mission Alive: As an online street newspaper, we remain dedicated to amplifying voices and providing a platform for empowerment.

Supporting Writers: Those who qualify as vendors can choose to write for us, earning income while sharing their stories and perspectives.

Building Community: Collaborating with organizations and exploring microenterprise opportunities to create sustainable solutions.

At Thrive Detroit, we believe in the transformative power of stories—not just to connect us, but to create pathways out of poverty. Join us on this journey by reading, contributing, or supporting our mission.

Visit thrivedetroit.org to learn more.

Blog

Latest Post from Thrive Detroit

Noodling Time Space and the Things of God

I was in middle school when Ms. Johnson, my science teacher, taught us about the Earth’s rotation. Her class was one of my favorites, and she was an excellent teacher. As usual, I was excited to talk with my friends about what I had learned. My first chance came when a group of us had gathered in the backyard to discuss which neighbors’ fruit tree we were going to raid. When I told

Delphia Simmons (Founder of Thrive Detroit)

5 days ago3 min read

Detroit’s Black Reading Month

I remember watching movies like Roots in my youth and being so moved by the passion and desire our ancestors—enslaved people—had for reading. While I thought I loved reading, I realized their longing was much deeper. The risk of being caught learning to read could have been enough to stop many, but it didn’t. They knew

Delphia Simmons (Founder of Thrive Detroit)

Sep 25, 20252 min read

The Blueprint: Mindfulness to Mind-FULL-ness

“The mind is the architect of your destiny. To change your life, you must first change your thoughts.” -Dr. Joe Dispenza Hello, THRIVE Detroit Family! I am Sajjiah Bahia Parker, a spiritual seeker, guide, and fellow traveler on the Journey of Self: the sacred path to Self

Sajjiah Bahia Parker

Aug 14, 20253 min read

Text graphic illustrating the equation trust over time equals patience

Are We There Yet?

The rides from Detroit down South didn’t seem long to me as a child. Five of us would be in the back seat of our Cousin John’s Cadillac. We were small and the car was big. One of us would get to sit in the middle up front with Cousin John and Mom. We wouldn’t stop for food, only for gas and the restroom. Mom would pack plenty of food, including

Delphia Simmons (Founder of Thrive Detroit)

Jul 24, 20255 min read

Book Review: Entitlement by Rumaan Alam

Published late last year, Entitlement by Rumaan Alam has been on a few “best of” lists this year--earning praise from authors such as Roxane Gay and Rebecca Makkai--and it’s very well done, if

Laurie Fundukian

Jun 17, 20253 min read

Delphia and her mother, both smiling and wearing glasses, share a joyful moment together.

Amen

I think I was about seven when I peeked into Mama Henrietta’s bedroom early one morning. Uncle Bush had already left to do some work on their large farm down South. Mom Henrietta was on her

Delphia Simmons (Founder of Thrive Detroit)

May 19, 20253 min read