Pope Francis Center Receives New Vehicle Donation

On August 8, the Pope Francis Center in Detroit took delivery of a new Ford E-Transit Van, customized by Livonia-based MobilityTRANS, to provide safe transportation for guests requiring additional assistance. MobilityTRANS is a division of Forest River Bus, North America's largest shuttle bus and van manufacturer.

MobilityTRANS installed a flexible seating system, wheelchair lift, security mechanisms, passenger assist steps, grab bars, and climate control system. The company also provided a level 2 charging system for the Pope Francis Center to charge the all-electric vehicle at its New Bridge Housing Campus, which has been under construction since spring 2022 and is expected to open next year. The Bridge Housing Campus will provide homeless individuals a successful transition into permanent supportive housing and will be feature 40 studio apartments, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, library, classrooms, and health clinic. It will also include an outdoor shelter with heat sources for those who have normalized homelessness and struggle to come indoors. Guest will be able to stay 90 to 120 days while also receiving medical care, psychological and/or substance abuse treatment.

"We are honored to collaborate with the Pope Francis Center, donating this Electric E-Transitvan," said Dave Brown, general manager of MobilityTRANS. "It perfectly aligns with our mission of providing accessible transportation solutions and improving the well-being of individuals facing adversity. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the Pope Francis Center's impactful work." The van will be a critical part of the new Pope Francis Center Bridge Housing Campus in the Core City neighborhood.

The Pope Francis Center supports the homeless population in Detroit and will use the new van as eco-friendly transportation for guests to attend medical and dental appointments, jobs, interviews for employment or government agencies, and for moving people to safer environments during extreme weather. The van can accommodate 10 passengers or eight if a wheelchair is in use. "This vehicle will literally help save lives," said Fr. Tim McCabe, SJ, executive director, Pope Francis Center. "Whether it's a severe weather emergency or the urgent need for medical attention, we now have a way to move people without options to a place of safety. We could not be more grateful for this extraordinary gift."

The upfitted E-Transit van customized by MobilityTRANS was delivered to Fr. Tim and the Pope Francis Center at a special ceremony. MobilityTRANS extends its deepest appreciation to the Pope Francis Center for its ongoing dedication to serving the community. This collaboration is a testament to the power of partnership and an important step toward a more accessible, sustainable, and compassionate future for all.

For more information on the Pope Francis Center, its work, updates on the Bridge Housing Campus, and how you can volunteer or donate, go to http://www.popefranciscenter.org.