Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance

An informative and enjoyable fundraising tea was held at the SHVM convent in Detroit on February 17, featuring John J.F. Thorne as keynote speaker.  John serves as Executive Director of Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance, a lay organization dedicated to strengthening the quality of life in the Metropolitan Detroit area by engaging members in social, moral, political, and economic issues. 

The audience listened in rapt attention as Mr. Thorne shared the challenges, hopes and successes of DCPA over the years.  “All things are possible” is the core of his attitude and his actions.  “Hold up your corner” and then expect still more from both yourself and from others.  “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”

DCPA’s most visible successes over the years have been its affordable housing programs began over 20 years ago, when a member donated a family house on Melbourne Street.  Through the help of many friends DCPA was able to rehab the home and eventually sold it so it could be “HOME” for a family of three.  Since that time the Alliance has moved its housing program to a 22 square-block area on the east side of Detroit called Gratiot Woods.  Anchored by Nativity of Our Lord Church, the Alliance has invested more than $18.6 million in the Gratiot Woods Community.  Click here to view DCPA’s impressive list of projects >>> DCPA Current-Future Projects.