Ford Invests $5M to Bridge Gaps in American Communities

In an era where access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation remains a significant challenge for one in four Americans, Ford Motor Company Fund (Ford Fund) steps up with a $5 million investment. This initiative aims to alleviate transportation insecurities prevalent in cities across the United States, particularly in Detroit and other communities close to Ford’s heart.

The essence of Ford’s commitment lies in nurturing robust communities where its employees reside and work. With the largest number of UAW-represented autoworkers in its ranks and 24 active plant communities across the U.S., the company’s philanthropic arm, Ford Fund, embarks on a mission to support local causes in regions where its manufacturing presence thrives.

Partnering with over a dozen nonprofit organizations, Ford Fund is strategically channeling its investment to bridge the transportation gap for communities striving for access to vital resources and services. Collaborating with entities such as the United Way of Southeastern Michigan’s “Ride United” program and Feonix – Mobility Rising, Ford Fund aims to facilitate access to healthcare, fresh food, and essential services.

Valerie Lefler, executive director and founder of Feonix, expresses gratitude for the collaboration with Ford Motor Company Fund, emphasizing the profound impact this investment will have on communities. The $600,000 investment in Feonix – Mobility Rising will spearhead the launch of three new mobility programs, including the “Grocery Express” initiative in Detroit, aimed at providing transportation to local grocery stores, thus expanding food accessibility for 200 Detroiters weekly.

Moreover, the “Access to Care” pilot program will offer rides to and from medical appointments for maternal health patients in Detroit. Meanwhile, in West Tennessee, a Transportation Assistance Hub by Feonix – Mobility Rising is set to address rural community needs, connecting individuals to transportation resources and establishing new mobility operations in Stanton and the region.

Alex Buznego, senior manager of mobility programs at Ford Fund, stresses the critical role of safe and reliable transportation in uplifting individuals from poverty. The focus of their investments remains on grassroots collaborations, designed to narrow the access gaps for under-served communities, offering pathways to healthcare, employment, education, and fresh food.

Acknowledging the dire transportation challenges in Michigan, where 38 percent of households struggle to afford basic transportation needs, Ford Fund has allocated $250,000 to evolve and expand the Ride United program. This support aims to assist Detroiters in regaining suspended driver’s licenses, acquiring vehicles, facilitating car repairs, accessing on-demand rides, and integrating broader United Way supports.

Megan Thibos, Director of Community Impact Innovation, sheds light on the pervasive transportation barriers in Detroit. The investment from Ford Fund allows Ride United to enhance systems, fostering scalability to efficiently help more individuals overcome longstanding transportation barriers.

Beyond Feonix – Mobility Rising and the United Way’s Ride United program, Ford Fund’s commitment extends to various partnerships and programs. From aiding Disabled American Veterans with transportation to medical appointments to expanding healthcare access through the Wayne Mobile Health Unit in Detroit, Ford Fund’s reach touches multiple facets of community life.

Vision to Learn, in partnership with Ford near its Ohio Assembly Plant and Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1, provides free mobile eyecare services to students, ensuring access to exams and glasses. Additionally, collaborations with organizations like DoorDash further the cause by delivering groceries and meals to transportation-limited individuals and communities in Detroit, Louisville, and West Tennessee.

The list of beneficiaries from Ford Fund’s grants includes an array of organizations such as the Detroit Bus Company, EVHybridnoire, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, Governors Highway Safety Association, League of American Cyclists, Strive 4 A Safer Drive, and Teen Street Skills, each contributing uniquely to address transportation challenges in their respective domains.

In essence, Ford Motor Company Fund’s $5 million investment stands as a testament to its commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities across the U.S. by tackling transportation barriers head-on. This holistic approach signifies a step toward creating a more accessible, equitable, and connected society, where mobility is no longer a barrier to opportunity and well-being.

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