A PLACE FOR REFUGE
Transitional Housing
Southeast Michigan
A Place of Refuge Transitional Housing & Neighborhood Association (APOR) is a place-based nonprofit strengthening neighborhoods by stabilizing residents and activating community-led solutions. APOR was originally founded to serve young men aging out of the foster care system, a population facing disproportionate housing instability, and this commitment remains a permanent priority embedded in all programming.
About us
A non-profit, creating opportunity, and security through housing and mentorship.
What We Do
We provide safe, structured transitional housing combined with supportive services that help residents build independence, accountability, and long-term stability. Housing is paired with life skills development, mentorship, and connections to local resources; ensuring residents are not only housed, but supported.
Operating as both a housing provider and Neighborhood Association, APOR functions as a community asset and trusted convener. The organization engages residents in neighborhood cleanups, community meetings, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen safety, pride, and social cohesion. These resident-led efforts help transform underinvested areas into healthier, more connected communities.
Why We Do It
(Our Story)
A Place of Refuge was founded in 2009 by Rhonda Roberts-Barley with the goal of addressing homelessness among young men and women with a focus on African American young men “aging out” of foster care. Recognizing that many programs were available for young women, but not many for males and more specific African American males.
We strive to provide a wrap-around nurturing environment that promotes self-love, self-respect, and self-sufficiency.
We are forever evolving to meet the needs of young men and women in efforts to strengthen, educate, and prepare them for sustainable living.