The Ford Fund – FoMoCo’s philanthropic arm – has donated a considerable sum of money to many worthy causes over the years, a list that includes creating a scholarship program worth $1 million that aims to address an overall shortage of technicians in the automotive industry, as well as giving $2.3 million to a host of local food banks to help address growing food insecurity and hunger issues. Now, Ford Fund is working to close transportation gaps in Detroit and other U.S. cities with a $5 million investment in mobility solutions, too.
This latest donation comes as Ford Fund notes that one in four Americans lacks access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options, which limits their ability to access essential services and economic opportunities. Thus, the charity is planning to partner with a dozen nonprofit organizations such as United Way of Southeastern Michigan’s “Ride United” program and Feonix – Mobility Rising to launch several new mobility programs will provide transportation services to and from local grocery stores, as well as medical appointments.
“Feonix is honored by the opportunity to work alongside the Ford Motor Company Fund to address transportation barriers to social determinants of health in urban and rural communities,” said Valerie Lefler, executive director and founder. “This investment will provide not only life changing impact locally for residents, but also establish data and mobility service insights that can be expanded across the nation.”
“Access to safe and reliable transportation is key for people to move out of poverty. Our investments in mobility solutions are focused on grassroots collaborations, designed to bridge the gaps in access for under-served and under-resourced communities,” said Alex Buznego, senior manager of mobility programs at the Ford Fund. “We know connecting people to transportation can unlock incredible opportunities – from healthcare and fresh food to employment and education.”
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