Restoring home exteriors and boosting community pride, block by block.

OUR VISION

At AboutFaceDetroit (AFD), our goal is clear: to transform Cadillac Boulevard between East Vernor and Mack into a continuous stream of well-functioning homes, free from distress.

AFD envisions a community where arriving home brings forth feelings of contentment and pride for all neighbors. 

AboutFaceDetroit is a registered 501c3. 100% of all funds go toward the AFD mission.

Ultimately, AboutFaceDetroit demonstrates local transformative power toward improvement, not as individuals, but as a collective

—manifesting our best efforts, home by home, block by block.

- Alice James, Founder

NEXT UP: SPRING 2025

AboutFaceDetroit directs skilled labor and building materials to our immediate neighbors in East Village, bypassing red tape to provide on-the-ground home repair and beautification. As neighbors, we know exactly where it is needed.

We reinforce homes with…

ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS

AFD secures homes with energy-efficient windows that slash energy bills and ensure year-round comfort against Michigan winters. Added benefits of reduced noise and security. Join us in making a sustainable difference—one window at a time.

GUTTER REPLACEMENTS

Our program is dedicated to bolstering housing durability, providing gutters that prevent foundation damage and reduce soil erosion. New gutters require minimal maintenance, improved roof longevity, and increased curb appeal.

PORCH REHABS & MORE

As champions of housing integrity, AFD is dedicated to making front porches a central part of the home again. Our initiative breathes new life into neglected porches, turning them into welcoming, safe, and functional spaces that extend our living areas. Porches have always fostered a closer connection to your community and the environment. Let's reclaim and celebrate the front porch as the heart of the home and an extension into our community.

PROJECTS

PHASE 1 — COMPLETE — FALL 2023
A new roof for our neighbor.

PHASE 2 — COMPLETE — SUMMER 2024
Gutters, fascia, soffits, and siding for this neighbor.

PHASE 3 — FUNDRAISING — WINTER 2025
Repair porch and siding; Install new windows; Paint.

GENERAL PROJECTS COMPLETED — SPRING & SUMMER 2024

  • 4 home landscape installations

  • 1 Porch repair and repaint

  • 1 mile of overgrown sidewalk grass removed

  • East Village litter permanently reduced via weekly cleanups and trashcan addition.

Support

ADDITIONAL PROJECTS — SPRING & SUMMER 2025

Love, Not Litter

  • Installation of additional commercial trash cans along several East Village streets

  • Anti-litter lamp post street banners

  • Continued 2x weekly street clean-ups

2 landscape installations

East Village Gateway Park

  • Design support and collaboration with the University of Michigan’s graduate Urban Planning department

Donate

Donate

Support AboutFaceDetroit

Our mission is largely supported by individual donations. Donate above to directly support our work and our neighbors.

What makes us different

Why we do it

Generational wealth

& Sustainability

Aging roofs, cracked windows, outdated gutters, and deteriorating siding not only diminish the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods but also serve as entry points for harsh weather elements. Families often face unbearable utility bills as precious warmth escapes through these structural weaknesses. We recognize the fundamental importance of addressing these pressing infrastructure needs. Energy justice means ensuring that every Detroit household, regardless of income or background, has access to safe, weatherized, energy efficient, and sustainable housing.

New roofs and refurbished exteriors not only improve living conditions but also boost property values. These, in turn, contribute to the accumulation of generational wealth for long-time Detroit residents. AFD aims to break the cycle of disinvestment by safeguarding the structural integrity of homes. This ensures the passing down of homes from one generation to the next, preserving a legacy of wealth and providing a stepping stone for younger family members toward homeownership. In a city where generations have weathered economic challenges and social transformation, AFD represents a commitment to rectifying historical injustices and fostering a future where generational Detroit families can repair, protect, and transfer wealth through homeownership.

Support AFD

Financial Support

Support AFD

In-Kind Labor Support
(Skilled labor)

AFD is seeking skilled laborers willing to support this mission with in-kind labor.

If you are skilled in any aspect of exterior home repair and would like to see our community achieve the AFD mission, please sign up below for:

Demolition
Debris haul
Tree removal
Gutter, soffit, or fascia installation
Roofing
Masonry
Discounted prices or pro bono work toward completing a project

Remember, your generosity is tax deductible + your good will will be publicly noted on our site.

Building Materials
(Registry coming soon)

AboutFaceDetroit is a registered 501c3. 100% of all funds will go toward the AFD mission.

Contact

Our Neighbors

Steph Goudy, Cadillac Investment Properties LLC

Years ago, from the start, Steph has always been there to assist us through projects with sage advice, hands-on assistance and moral support. There isn’t a better neighbor, now dear friend. A font of good will and energy (he works a full time job, rehabs houses, and is a devoted dad and husband), he’s been an unwavering supporter of the community and, now, AFD.

Michael

He may have retired from his day job, but he’s never idle. He strolls our neighborhood for those in need of immediate lawn service and even attends to the neglected lawns left by absentee investors. When we’re out cleaning the block I know that he and his leaf blower will soon be on the way to assist. Truly an asset to our community.

A special thanks to Clayton, Angles, E, Margaret, Barbara, James, Amy, Peter, Molly, Rick Jordan, Pastor Brock, Lynn, Nathan, Willie, Patrick, Deanne, and Otis. Everyday passersby stop to buoy our spirits through tough projects. A community cannot thrive without the support and encouraging words you offer.

Our Contractors

Rick Jordan, Atty.

Quality Outdoor Care, Jason Martin

Corey C. Johnson, Brand and Web Consultant

Todd Beverly, Architect

Warner Norcross and Judd LLP

Miah J. Davis, Fundraising For All

Mac Farr, The Villages

Amezola Tree Service

Gratitude

Meet the Board