FORCE Detroit creates freer, safer communities through organizing, community violence intervention, advocacy, and social impact.
FORCE Detroit uses community violence intervention to address the root causes of gun violence through evidence-informed practices that engage residents in safety solutions and support trauma recovery. Our model relies on credible messengers as trusted community members with lived experience to build relationships and intervene with those at risk of violence.
Over 10 years, our violence interrupters have conducted hundreds of interventions across Detroit’s highest-risk neighborhoods. This is what proactive community-led safety looks like.
From youth sports leagues to a music, art and podcast studio at our program office, our programs keep young people connected, supported, and out of harm’s way. Over 200 participants served in 2025.
FORCE’s relationships are based on mutual respect and shared interests. Our team members live, work, and volunteer in the neighborhoods we serve, making them trusted community stakeholders.
We treat gun violence as a public health issue that can be reduced through evidence-informed solutions. Our approach is built on compassion, collaboration, and innovation. We empower those most affected by violence to lead change, strengthen civic engagement, and mobilize communities to address long-standing inequities. Our work is guided by the following core strategies:
We use research, coalition building, and public education to create safer neighborhoods while reducing reliance on the criminal legal system.
Our work thrives because of the trust and investment of our funders. With their continued support, we’re able to expand our reach, amplify community voices, and drive forward solutions that make Detroit stronger.
From powerful stories of change to groundbreaking initiatives, explore how we’re leading the charge in creating safer, freer neighborhoods.
Alia Harvey Quinn
Founder of FORCE Detroit