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Pope Francis Center Opens the Doors on its Game-Changing Bridge Housing Campus for the Homeless in Detroit

Pope Francis Center (PFC) today begins a new era for ending chronic homelessness in Detroit with the opening of its Bridge Housing Campus, a $40 million facility that provides comprehensive transitional services under one roof.

Born out of a desire to address the underlying reasons people live on the streets, the Bridge Housing Campus is the culmination of decades of PFC’s experience, research and dedication to helping the chronically homeless, one of the most challenging populations to serve.

“Putting people in a house or apartment before addressing issues such as substance abuse or mental health doesn’t work for everybody,” said Fr. Tim McCabe, SJ, PFC president and CEO. “Our facility is a game-changer in how it allows those experiencing homelessness to have agency in their own healing. They decide how they want to progress, while we give them the support necessary to chart a better path in life.”

The 60,000 square-foot Bridge Housing Campus sits on 5.3 acres of land in Detroit’s Core City neighborhood. In addition to 40 furnished studio apartments, the facility features a gymnasium, commercial kitchen, free medical and dental clinic, library and classrooms, barbershop, and space for family gatherings and special events. A unique feature: heated sidewalks and an overhang outside the building for those not yet ready to make their way indoors.

Residents will have access to a range of social services including substance abuse rehabilitation, mental health assistance, and job training and computer classes. When they are ready, residents will transition to permanent housing while still receiving any support they need from PFC and its partners.

“Fr. Tim and the Pope Francis Center have done a great job working to create a better future for our most vulnerable residents,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “The Bridge Housing Campus will be another example of how Detroit and its partners are creating pathways from homelessness to affordable housing.”

Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, a Detroit native who represents the 10th House District, said PFC’s comprehensive approach will set residents up for future success. “Having the full suite of wraparound services is a critical piece to making sure people have the ability to be housed,” he said.

Financial support for the Bridge Housing Campus comes from a variety of sources, with the majority being contributed by private foundations and corporations. The Julia Burke Foundation in Northern California contributed $13 million, the single largest donation. Other major funders include:

• J. Addison and Marion M. Bartush Family Foundation
• City of Detroit
• Ford Motor Company
• Lear Corporation
• Magna Corporation
• Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus
• Piston Group
• The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation
• State of Michigan

The Bridge Housing Campus is located at 2915 West Hancock Street, Detroit. PFC staff are working to determine the first group of residents. Plans are for them to move in late June, although that may change if the selection process takes longer.

The Bridge Housing Campus will also double as PFC’s new headquarters. PFC will continue to operate the day center and shelter where it started in 1990 and now serves more than 200 guests a day. The center is located at 438 Saint Antoine Street, Detroit, next to Sts. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church.

Background:

Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, the Pope Francis Center provides vital services to the city’s homeless. On an average day, we welcome nearly 200 guests and provide them with nutritious meals, showers, laundry and access to doctors, dentists, lawyers, housing providers, and job training through our free clinics. We have been serving Detroit’s most vulnerable citizens since 1990, and we are committed to eradicating chronic homelessness in our city. @Michigan @christianity

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