From a Ford Escape to a Fresh Start: Mario & Zinnia’s Journey
- Gail Marlow
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Next year, Mario and Zinnia will celebrate 50 years of marriage. At ages 73 and 68, the Filipino couple has built a lifetime of love, hard work, and perseverance. They raised two children who still live in the Philippines, and for decades, they lived a modest but steady life. Mario, a semi-retired engineer and licensed electrician and plumber, most recently worked for Home Depot while they lived in San Francisco. Zinnia, a cancer survivor, has faced her own health battles with courage and grace.
A Sudden Move, and a String of Setbacks
In April of 2024, when Mario’s sister in Michigan became ill, he transferred to a local Home Depot so he could be near her. He and Zinnia rented the basement of a home, but the landlord neglected the property. After multiple complaints from residents, the city inspector declared the home uninhabitable. With no notice and no alternatives, Mario and Zinnia suddenly found themselves without housing.
Then, in December 2024, Mario became gravely ill with COVID-19. His recovery took longer than expected, and when he couldn’t return to work within the expected time due to his longer than expected recovery, he lost his employment. Without income or stable housing, Mario and Zinnia were forced to live in their Ford Escape, spending nights in a Walmart parking lot through the cold Michigan winter.
A Chance Encounter with MCMM
It was during this time of hardship that the Motor City Mitten Mission Street Outreach Team first met Mario and Zinnia. Outreach workers provided food, basic essentials, and—most importantly—consistent visits that built trust.
One day, Executive Director Gail Marlow was out in the field and had the opportunity to sit with Mario and Zinnia to hear their full story. Realizing they had no local supports and were carrying overwhelming challenges, Gail immediately put them in a hotel for a few days to give them relief from sleeping in their car. She then invited them to MCMM headquarters to discuss housing resources and next steps.
By the end of that meeting, something remarkable happened: Gail offered both Mario and Zinnia part-time positions at MCMM.
Finding Dignity and Purpose Again
Today, Zinnia works in the MCMM kitchen, helping prepare the meals that our Outreach Team distributes to individuals and families experiencing homelessness across Metro Detroit. Her care and consistency ensure that hundreds of meals leave our facility each week.
Meanwhile, Mario has put his skills to work, re-outfitting both of our Street Outreach vehicles—affectionately named SuperMit and MiniMit—and completing countless vital maintenance projects at our facility. His craftsmanship and dedication have strengthened MCMM’s ability to serve the community every single day.
A New Challenge: Vehicle Repossession
On September 20, 2025, Mario and Zinnia’s vehicle—the Ford Escape they once called home—was repossessed. Inside were many of their personal belongings and, most devastatingly, all of Mario’s work tools, which he depends on for both income and service.
Even more urgent—their vehicle is scheduled to be sold at auction this Saturday. Without immediate help, they risk losing it permanently.
While they are currently staying in a hotel until their new home is ready, regaining their vehicle is critical to restoring their independence and stability.
How You Can Help
We are asking our community to come together once again. Please consider making a donation to help Mario and Zinnia reclaim their vehicle before it is lost for good.
💙 You can donate via:
Venmo - @MCMMItsEasyToBeKind
Cash App - $MCMMOutreach
MCMM Website - www.motorcitymittenmission.org
Checks Payable:
Motor City Mitten Mission
24623 Harper Avenue
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
👉 Please make a notation: “Mario & Zinnia” so your support goes directly to them.
Looking Ahead
With steady part-time work, renewed purpose, and the support of MCMM, Mario and Zinnia are preparing to move into a home of their own. Their story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can unravel, even after years of hard work, and how essential compassion and opportunity are in restoring dignity.
At MCMM, we believe that with consistency, compassion, and opportunity, lives can be rebuilt. Mario and Zinnia’s journey from sleeping in a Ford Escape to preparing for a home of their own is living proof.
💙 Together, we can ensure Mario and Zinnia get their car back and continue their fresh start.
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