Rochester nonprofit converts box truck into Mobile Outreach Unit to help area homeless

It could have ended up as a moving van or a warehouse delivery vehicle, but when one local nonprofit decided to buy a box truck, it took on a whole new purpose.

The Landing, a Rochester-based nonprofit serving the local homeless population, recently announced their newest purchase: a 14-foot box truck, capable of serving as a supply center and mobile office. The Mobile Outreach Unit, or MOU — lovingly pronounced “Moe” — provides essential supplies like clothing, single-serve food, and personal hygiene products to individuals experiencing homelessness in the greater Rochester area. 

Dan Fifield, co-founder and president of The Landing, says the truck has been on the road for about a month — and in that time, it’s proven to be worth the investment.

“It’s filled a need,” said Fifield, “and it’s created some other opportunities for us, which is great … I couldn’t have asked for a better plan.”

Fifield did add that MOU wasn’t Plan A for his organization’s goals. Last year, they had eyes on a vacant building as a potential spot for a day center. The building inevitably sold before The Landing could secure the necessary funding, which led them to the box truck idea. 

In the month since MOU first took to the streets, every organization — regardless of purpose — has been required to re-think the way they do things in response to Covid-19. Fifield says the newfound mobility has been a godsend, allowing him and his team to continue operations while properly adhering to social distancing guidelines.

“We’re able to maintain a good distance working out of the back of the truck, so it’s really been a blessing,” said Fifield. “If we had bought that building we’d be sitting there staring at each other because it’s not big enough to abide by any kind of social distancing.”

Fifield says the truck visits the temporary warming center set up at Mayo Civic Center every afternoon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, providing essential supplies to whoever needs them — normally numbering in the dozens (the top selections: socks and t-shirts). After the stay-at-home order is relaxed, expect to see MOU at various parks across Rochester every day, doing the exact same thing.

“We’ll be there, giving the help that we offer — getting people into housing, medical things, legal things, providing supplies, everything,” said Fifield.

Isaac Jahns is a Rochester native and a 2019 graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism. He reports on politics, business and music for Med City Beat.