A Meaningful Visit to Bridge Housing: Welcoming Jim Farley

Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, has long been a dedicated supporter of the Pope Francis Center—volunteering his time and providing generous financial support in service of our mission. We were honored to recently welcome him back to our Bridge Housing Campus for a visit that highlighted the importance of service and community in moving our mission forward.

One of the most meaningful moments of the visit was the presentation of a handcrafted gift from Bridge Housing resident, Allan Webster: a model of a Ford Model T made entirely from coffee stirrers and found materials. The piece reflected remarkable creativity and care, and served as a thoughtful nod to Ford’s history and legacy of innovation. Mr. Farley shared that the gift would be proudly displayed in his office at the Ford Motor Company’s new World Headquarters.

This gesture captured the spirit of Bridge Housing and the talents our residents bring with them. When people are given safety, support, and respect, their creativity and potential can shine. They are provided with the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

We are grateful for Mr. Farley’s continued commitment to the Pope Francis Center and for his ongoing partnership in advancing solutions to homelessness.

For further reading, please see the related media coverage of this visit linked below.

Detroit Free Press: As needs for Detroit’s unhoused rise, Ford CEO says it’s time to help

Detroit Free Press: The story behind an unexpected gift a homeless man gave to Jim Farley