Hope in Harrowing Times supporting Pope Francis Center
Pope Francis Center

About Hope in Harrowing Times

COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate, but its disproportionate effect on those with pre-existing health conditions and limited access to proper hygiene, medical care and proper nourishment is undeniable. 

That is why the Pope Francis Center is dedicated to serving this vulnerable population throughout this pandemic. 

As the city makes headlines across the country as a virus “hot spot,” the modifications we’re making to safely deliver our services to a growing number of people are drastically straining our budget. Since the start of this pandemic, we have jumped from serving 200 to nearly 300 guests a day, and the numbers continue to climb. 

Join our campaign of hope, and help ensure that the needs of Detroit’s most vulnerable are met during this crisis.


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About the Cause

As the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, the demand for food, basic hygiene, shelter and medical attention continues to grow. Every day we see new faces at the Center, including families with children who no longer receive meals at school.

While we've had to suspend all volunteers shifts to limit the spread of the virus, our small staff is working around the clock to ensure that all our vital services continue. 

We have moved our operations outdoors, to comply with social distancing recommendations. We now serve meals in sealed to-go containers, provide portable bathrooms and handwashing stations, offer heated tents where guests can take shelter at a safe distance, provide daily medical care, and have even started up showers again in a mobile shower unit.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

The equipment rentals for the outdoor amenities, cleaning products, personal protective equipment and others supplies required to for these emergency relief efforts cost the Pope Francis Center nearly $18,000 a week. 

These additional expenses come at a time when the Pope Francis Center is already facing a drastic budget shortfall from the cancellation of its annual All the Way Home Gala. The event, which was planned for April 24th, provides a fourth of the organization's annual operating revenue. 

We are firmly committed to standing with the community's most vulnerable throughout this harrowing time, but we cannot do it without you!


Thank you to our COVID-19 Relief Partners!