Building Detroit: When People Come Together, Brilliant Things Happen

In a city with a rich history of innovation and resilience, Brilliant Detroit stands out as a beacon of hope and transformation, building Detroit through community. Founded in 2016, Brilliant Detroit takes a radically new approach to encouraging neighborhood interconnection by turning vacant houses into vibrant hubs that serve as lifelines for families with children “from belly to 8.” The success of Brilliant Detroit’s hubs has drawn national attention and demand. Brilliant Detroit recently announced the expansion of their services into three additional cities: Philadelphia, Chicago and Cleveland.

Brilliant Detroit, a multi-year participant in the Rocket Community Fund’s Community Challenge, has set out to create what they call “kid success neighborhoods.” These neighborhood hubs are places where families can access everything they need to set put young children on the path to success—all within walking distance from their homes. From health services to educational support and family resources, Brilliant Detroit provides a holistic approach to community building, driven by the belief that true change starts at the grassroots level.

“Our goal is to create environments where kids and families have everything they need within a walkable distance,” says Cindy Eggleton, Co-Founder and CEO of Brilliant Detroit. “We repurpose houses into neighborhood hubs, where we work with children and adults to provide education, health, and family support. This approach is about more than just services—it’s about creating a sense of place and community.”

What makes Brilliant Detroit so special is its commitment to a “with, for, and by” model. Like any good neighbor, they don’t impose themselves, they wait to be invited. This approach ensures that each Brilliant Detroit location is deeply connected to the community it serves. Months of listening sessions, relationship-building and local engagement lay the foundation before a single nail is hammered. Once trust and buy-in are established, a vacant house is purchased and transformed into a bright, welcoming hub, staffed by local residents who know the community inside and out.

Working with neighborhoods

“This idea was born from the neighborhoods themselves. The most important piece of this work is the actual residents, parents and caregivers who should have the biggest voice in what happens in their community,” said Eggleton. “We don’t go into any neighborhood unless we’re invited in. It’s all about creating spaces where people can come together, learn about each other and do good.”

The impact of these hubs is innumerably profound. As of September 2024, Brilliant Detroit has grown to 24 locations across Detroit, providing services to over 24,000 individuals. Their work has raised reading levels by three grades and improved health outcomes, all while fostering a sense of community that is often missing from today’s fast-paced, digital-focused world. Families gather for classes, activities and fellowship, creating a network of support that extends far beyond the walls of the hub.

“The coolest thing is that it’s really from the neighborhoods,” Eggleton says. “We’ve seen people come together in ways that are truly inspiring. One resident told us that after years of feeling disconnected, our hub made their neighborhood feel like home again. That’s the kind of impact we strive for—bringing people together and making them feel a sense of belonging.”

ROCK Solid Support

Support from the ROCK Family of Companies has been instrumental in sustaining and expanding Brilliant Detroit’s mission. To date, Brilliant Detroit has received more than $500,000 from the Rocket Community Fund’s Community Challenge. Since their founding, team members from across the Family of Companies have volunteered at Brilliant Detroit locations, contributing time, energy and resources to this vital cause. Multiple leaders from the Family of Companies also provide support through advising and financial contributions. This partnership exemplifies ROCK’s belief in doing well by doing good—a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Brilliant Detroit’s vision of palpable community-driven change.

“The Family of Companies have been a tremendous partner, not just financially but also in terms of commitment to volunteerism,” Eggleton notes. “Their support allows us to sustain and grow our efforts, ensuring that we can continue to serve the communities that need it most.”

As Brilliant Detroit continues to grow, so does its impact. The model that started in Detroit is poised to make a difference across the country. But no matter how far they reach, the heart of Brilliant Detroit will always be rooted in the neighborhoods of this great city.

Brilliant Detroit is about more than transforming houses—it is about transforming lives. It is making big bets on Detroit and its people, knowing that those bets will yield big rewards for the entire community. With the continued support of partners like Rocket Community Fund, Brilliant Detroit will keep building, growing and shining a light on the potential within every Detroit neighborhood.

“At Brilliant Detroit, we believe that when people come together, brilliant things happen,” Eggleton says with a smile. “We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Visit Brilliant Detroit’s website to learn more about how you can get involved and be a part of this incredible journey. Together, we can make Detroit even more brilliant.