COVID-19 Relief for Homeless
The
nonprofit University of Detroit Mercy and Pope Francis Center, which assists the
homeless population in Detroit, have partnered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The center, located next door to the university law school downtown building,
closed on March 16 because of the coronavirus.
Now,
the University of Detroit Mercy has revamped its law school student parking lot
to serve those that once frequented the center. Large enough so social
distancing can be observed, the lot is now outfitted with large tents and
serves as space that provides meals, medical checks and a resting space for the
homeless community. With the assistance of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a truck
with showers and restrooms will also be available.
The city of Detroit also launched a new program, Feed
the Front Lines. More than 10,000 meals will be delivered this month to Detroit
hospitals, police precincts, firehouses and Detroit Department of
Transportation terminals. Individuals can visit the website to donate. The
first $25,000 raised will be matched by the Quicken Loans Community Fund. The
city is looking for businesses that can provide individually packaged meals for
$15 or less, and encourages Detroit-based restaurants and catering companies to
visit FeedTheFrontLinesDetroit.com.
