We had the opportunity to witness the impact the Pope Francis Center has on the Detroit community, serving over 200 homeless goers daily who frequent the center which is located adjacent to Ss Peter and Paul Jesuit Church, Detroit, Michigan.

As Father Timothy McCabe shared with us, the center has become a beacon of hope for those that are unhoused. In 1990, Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church opened the church’s doors to those seeking refuge from a brutal winter storm. The church put on a pot of coffee, set out some folding chairs, and offered people a place to get warm. Since then, the tradition has blossomed into the Pope Francis Center that provides hot showers, grooming services, laundry, housing assistance, and free medical, dental, and legal clinics.

Father McCabe became a priest in 2015 after a lifetime as a director of organizations. On a humanitarian aid mission to El Salvador, he was drawn to his Jesuit companions, who influenced his decision to attend the Jesuit-based University of Detroit Mercy, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, serving as the human service organization’s Midwest Director for 12 years. He has been so inspired and touched by the Jesuit selflessness lifestyle that he chose to devote his life caring for the homeless.

The center relies on support from foundations who share his vision for helping those who have found themselves with a bad hand of cards from life's game that most of us cannot imagine.

From his team and volunteers, like Barb and Frank who we talked with, we gained a deep understanding of the necessity for basic needs like a shower, food, and a caring community. Before leaving, we sat with Samuel Lewis, who once was homeless, and listened to his profound reflection on the reality of homelessness.

We are honored and so proud we can weave this story into our film which addresses our beloved Motor City’s complexities of homelessness while celebrating the many historical churches.