Ford Fund recommits to Detroit with new funding

Ford will donate $10 million alon with other support to help the city pull itself out of depression.

Ford has been committed to helping Detroit for decades, but recently has redoubled efforts. In an announcement today Ford has outlined its newest venture to help the depressed Michigan city. Fords charitable arm, called the Ford Fund, is the organization is behind the new push called Operation Brighter Future Detroit.

Efforts will include a new community center located within the Mexicantown Mercado building. Ford’s help will ensure continued culture and job training at this location. Hector Hernandez, chairman emeritus of the MCDC board was quoted as saying, “The Mexicantown Community Development Corporation (MCDC) board of directors is proud to partner with Ford Motor Company Fund and the city of Detroit to provide comprehensive programming at the Mexicantown Mercado that aligns with its original purpose as a community resource. Ford, the city and MCDC are all committed to providing the highest-quality services to the southwest Detroit community within the Mercado, and we envision exciting cultural programming on the soon-to-be enhanced plaza space, complete with a new water fountain feature to extend this extraordinary exterior community plaza.”

In addition, Ford is “adopting” a facility now being used a senior center. The Patton Center will now offer more programs including those to include youth activities such as lacrosse, karate and swimming. Ford will also establish a summer camp called “Camp Brighter Future” for approximately 100 local youths to attend.

Ford will also join Federal, State, and City of Michigan in providing funding for education in the city. This will take many forms including a youth employment training program for children ages 14 through 21. Detroit Mayor Dave Bing commented saying, “This is very exciting news for the city and our residents. I am extremely grateful for Ford Motor Company Fund’s commitment to make such a generous investment in our neighborhoods. The Fund’s emphasis on jobs, recreation centers, youth and educational opportunities is in line with my administration’s plans to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens. We need partners like Ford Motor Company Fund to help us transform Detroit.”

Ford also recently donated two F-series vehicles that the city will convert to ambulances.