The Pope Francis Center is a vital resource for many homeless individuals in Detroit, providing a variety of essential services from Monday to Saturday. These services include meals, access to hot showers and hygiene products, laundry facilities, medical care, haircuts, and assistance with finding housing. The center is able to offer these services through the tireless efforts of volunteers and donations.
Every year, the Pope Francis Center hosts the Building Bridges Gala, which serves as a way to express gratitude towards volunteers and sponsors and celebrate the achievements of the past year while raising funds for future endeavors. One of the primary goals of the gala is to raise funds for the Bridge Housing Campus, a program designed to address chronic homelessness by providing temporary housing as a stepping-stone towards permanent supportive housing.
The gala, held at Ford Field, features a silent auction and a paddle raise, with all proceeds going towards supporting Detroit's homeless population and helping them achieve a brighter future.