LTHC staff was really happy to see this face yesterday — meet Tom. You may not know his name but you know part of his story because it was the headlines for quite some time a few weeks ago when there was a homicide/stabbing/arson. Tom was the person who was stabbed — 29 times. Thankfully, he survived that horrible attack but none of his stuff did (all burned in the house fire).

Look at his smile! He is so glad to be alive and so glad to be back with people who care about him. LTHC is also glad that he is safe.

That’s all the good news….he was dropped off in front of our building yesterday in a cab that was paid for by the hospital in Indianapolis. Released into homelessness. He is gaunt. He is sore. He needs to recover. And he has no place to go but to us.

We are grateful to donors who have helped us make some special arrangements for Tom while he recovers. But his case is the sad example of our community needing more resources to help our most vulnerable neighbors. When LTHC opens the Engagement Center later this fall, it will include four medical respite rooms. We do not want anyone released from the hospital into homelessness when they need major recuperative time. That’s what the respite rooms will offer.

Until then, if you see Tom, give him a gentle handshake and a smile. Please contact Jennifer at jshook@lthc.net if you want to know how you can make a difference for folks experiencing homelessness and medical emergencies in our community.