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The Harry Tompson Center is committed to providing a calm and caring environment in which to serve the needs of the poor and homeless in the downtown New Orleans area. The Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all those who come to us in need, not merely by responding to physical needs, but also by attending to the whole person with respect and compassion, after the example of Jesus. |
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The Results Are In We have just completed our first 18 months of operation. The specific time period,services provided and the number of people served are as follows: ...[Read More]In Memory Of A couple of weeks ago, the staff held a memorial service for two of our guests who recently passed away, Johnnie Isodore and Gary Sing. These two men have been visiting the Harry Tompson Center almost since its inception, and we thought it was only fitting that their passing be recognized among the community at the center. The service was attended not only by staff, but also by many of our guests and featured a reading, prayer, and a rendition of Amazing Grace. There was also time for group sharing and personal reflection. Sympathy cards were signed and distirubted to their families. Gary and Johnnie could easily bring a smile to anyone's face when they walked through our doors, and if nothing else, our memorial service conveyed that quality of these two individuals. We ask that you all share in our thoughts and prayers that they may rest in peace. ...[Read More] |
I've Got a Name
For all too many people, the homeless are the nameless and faceless members of society. This video by Cassie Echer, staff member of the Harry Tompson Center, gives both a name and a face to the homeless. Click here to see more videos. 2009 HTC Gala The 2009 HTC Annual Gala Fundraiser is fast approaching. On Saturday, April 4th from 7:00-11:00 PM the Tompson Center will host this annual spectacular at the Jesuit High School Commons. The theme this year is "The Harry Tompson Center goes to the Academy Awards." The event inlcudes both live and silent auctions, sumptuous food and drink from some of the finest restaurants in the city and live music to help pass the time. Also included in the event is the presentation of the 2009 Legatus Christi award. This year's recipient is Dr. Peter DeBlieux, one of our medical volunteers who spends 3 + hours a week providing quality medical care to our homeless guests. ...[Read More]So What's Been Happening? As the economic crisis continues to grow in the New Orleans area, we have witnessed a growth in our population frequenting the center. However, it has not at all slowed our volunteers and supporters from donating their time, talent and commodities. The Harry Tompson Center has continued to flourish over the last six months because of the continued commitment on all levels o focus on the needs of the individual. Everyone who walks through our doors has an identity. Volunteers from different colleges such as Providence, Holy Cross and the University of Detroit Mercy have visited our center providing an aspect of companionship that the homeless rarely encounter. Jim Belfon brought his Gulf Coast Photography Project back to the center for another go around during the holiday season, giving our guests the opportunity to once again have a professional holiday photograph taken. On the following day, the staff at the center supplied Christmas cards, envelopes and stamps offering the chance to mail the picture to a loved one. The extensive generosity of those who make it possible to provide for our guests has also been resilient during the slowed economy. The parishioners of Immaculate Conception went above and beyond the call of duty in their annual Giving Tree which provided many needed items such as winter clothing, hygiene products and basic medical supplies. As we all begin to look at how to sustain during the economic recession that this country, state and city of New Orleans are currently undergoing, it certainly seems as if the Harry Tompson Center and its affiliates may serve as the ideal model. ...[Read More] |