To provide a safer source of transportation for guests requiring additional assistance, the Pope Francis Center took delivery of a new Ford E-Transit van, customized by Livonia-based MobilityTRANS.
MobilityTRANS, a division of Forest River Bus, installed a flexible seating system, wheelchair lift, security mechanisms, passenger assist steps, grab bars, windows, and a climate control system. In addition, MobilityTRANS has provided a Level 2 charging system for the Pope Francis Center to charge the all-electric vehicle at its new Bridge Housing Campus.
The Pope Francis Center, which has been helping to support people experiencing homelessness since 1990, will use the van as eco-friendly transportation for guests to attend medical and dental treatment appointments, job, and other interviews and for moving people to safer environments during extreme weather. The van can accommodate up to 10 passengers or eight if a wheelchair is in use.
"We are honored to collaborate with the Pope Francis Center, donating this Electric E-Transit van," 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. Scheduled to open next year, the Campus will provide 40 apartments and wrap-around services to guests transitioning from homelessness to permanent, supportive housing.
“This vehicle will literally help save lives,” said Fr. Tim McCabe, SJ, executive director at the 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.”
