Brilliant Detroit has experimented with opening community literacy houses in high-need neighborhoods around the city. The houses offer free programs and resources for families. The programs are geared to children from birth to age 8 and their families. They range from breastfeeding support for new mothers and community baby showers to developmental and educational programs, parenting and financial literacy programs for adults.

There are also family bonding activities like movie, karaoke and game nights and “literacy nights” that turn reading into fun, like using a recipe to make a tasty treat, outdoor play areas for children, community gardens and a signature orange door at each house. One of their offerings is LENA Start, a program for parents of infants and toddlers that’s accelerating children’s language development.