Part 4 – Building Futures: How Detroit Students Could Construct the Next Generation of Housing

Listener Timothy Smith offered a comprehensive idea: bring back vocational education in Detroit schools to solve the housing crisis and train students in life-changing trades.

His plan, "Building Futures," would see shop classes reintroduced into DPSCD with a mission: teach students how to build real tiny homes for the homeless. The curriculum would include construction, life skills, safety training, and job readiness.

Timothy argued the program wouldn’t cost the district a dime. Corporations like Ford, GM, and Rocket Mortgage could sponsor tools, materials, and teacher support. His reasoning: "They want to look good. Help them look good by doing good."

This dual solution—empowering youth while housing families—could make Detroit a national model.

"Shop class can become life class," he said. "And kids will walk away with skills they can eat on for life."