For hundreds of Detroiters experiencing chronic homelessness, the pope Francis center has become a beacon of hope and a place of comfort and healing. Located in the center of Detroit, the center provides vital services to the homeless each day. The center, run by executive director Father Tim Mccabe, acts as a safe place serving anyone in need of. support without requiring paperwork or identification. With a goal of ending chronic homelessness by 2030, the Center welcomes guests Monday through Saturday from 7–11 a.m. offering two meals, access to hot showers, laundry services, housing assistance, as well as medical, dental and legal support through rotating clinics. Aside from the almost endless list of services the center provides, it also offers its guests a place to gather, to connect with the community, to rest and, more importantly, to feel comforted and supported.

“In 2013, I was released after having been in prison for 20 years. I was given the address for the Pope Francis Center and they’ve been a saving grace for me ever since. They’ve been doing amazing things with housing, feeding, and giving personal attention to those in. need. They’ve given. me a lot of support all the way around and I commend them for all their efforts and their time and patience.” – Samuel Lewis

The Pope Francis Center provides its guests with nutritious meals each day. In order to maintain a healthy social distance meals are prepared in the kitchen of the center and are distributed through a door that leads to the exterior of the building where guests wait in line.

Lines gather outside the center to receive meals prepared by staff. Two nutritious meals are provided each day.The community has been providing refuge for homeless since 1990: nutritious meals, hot showers and grooming services, laundry facilities, housing assistance and free medical, dental and legal clinics.

Today, tents are set up in the parking lot to continue to serve the homeless in a safe way during the pandemic.

The community has been providing refuge for homeless since 1990: nutritious meals, hot showers and grooming services, laundry facilities, housing assistance and free medical, dental and legal clinics.

The center provides its members with necessities such as socks, undergarments, hats and gloves and other items vital to maintaining a proper quality of life.

The program became an independent nonprofit organization in 2015, when it was renamed the Pope Francis Center in honor of Pope Francis’ deep commitment to the poor. Father Tim McCabe, SJ, is now the executive director and president of the Pope Francis Center.

Inside Pope Francis Center.

Volunteers and staff prepare food for distribution to the local homeless.