Our Story

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Together with her husband, Michael Awkward, Ph.D., the Gayl Jones Professor Emeritus of English and of Afroamerican / African Studies at the University of Michigan, LaSonia Forte has spearheaded a significant initiative establishing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing for unhoused youth transitioning out of Michigan's foster care system. They have made notable progress by securing the first ZOOM Transition House in Warren, MI, where they offer monthly room leases at a significantly reduced rate, compared to the average rent of $1,100 in the area. This initiative addresses the critical challenges faced by these young individuals, many of whom receive limited financial assistance and struggle to maintain stable housing.

To enhance the support for these youth, ZOOM has partnered with Independent Living Programs, integrating their resources to better serve the young adults housed in their program. The nonprofit, ZOOM Transitional Housing for Foster Youth, has secured its rental inspection certification at its inaugural property. In addition, discussions are underway with the NEW Center to explore avenues for economic development and growth, including the launch of a social enterprise aimed at ending youth homelessness in Michigan.

We envision "ZOOM houses" as nurturing environments that empower youth and actively prevent their involvement in the criminal justice system. Drawing from her experience as the State Outreach Director, she passionately advocates for comprehensive community support and collaboration to combat youth homelessness effectively. LaSonia emphasizes the importance of fostering sustainable solutions for this vulnerable population and encourages the community to participate in making a lasting impact on the lives of these young individuals.

My father often spoke of the challenges he faced at military school after his parents died when he was 11. When he aged out of the system, he enlisted in the military, in part, to avoid homelessness. He used those challenges to teach me lessons about responsibility and service, and because of him, I am driven to help people in crisis. He'd say to me: If you can, you must! 

My journey spans over two decades of advocacy, during which I recognized the urgent needs of young women in non-profit programs who struggled to complete their education without proper resources. In response, I donated laptops annually to graduating seniors heading to college. 

As a state outreach director, I have witnessed the dire consequences of the housing crisis across various Michigan communities.

These issues prompted my husband and me to establish an LLC to purchase properties and a nonprofit to provide genuinely affordable housing in safe neighborhoods. 

In addition, I am a 2025 fellow of the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) (bio), because it is apparent that a proactive political approach is necessary to implement effective public policies that support unhoused citizens, whose population, as we know, is expanding.