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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. |
All News 
Jesuit Volunteers Going and Coming
During this past year, the Harry Tompson Center has benefited from the services of Jesuit volunteers Rachel Robins and Rob Keller. When their year ends, Rachel will be returning to Philadelphia, PA and will be pursuing a position in a homeless shelter there. Rob will stay in New Orleans to begin law school at Loyola University. We thank them for their time with us and ask God's blessings upon them.
In August two second year volunteers will be joining us -- Alex Allain and Brian Ahern. Alex Allain hails from Natchez, MS. He graduated from Millsap College in Jackson, MS and was in JVC this past year working at Tri City Peoples Corporation in Newark, NJ. Brian Ahern comes from Redmond, WA. He graduated from Gonzaga University in Seattle, WA and was in JVC this past year working at Casserly House in Boston, MA. We welcome them and look forward to their presence in ministry among us.
07/16/2010 12:28 a.m.
Don
Son Servants Volunteers
We are blessed this summer to have multiple young volunteers with us everyday for all across the country. Beginning in mid-June and running through the end of July, volunteers with Son Servants are at our Center each day to help us with showers, the phone room and making hygience kits. They are outstanding young folks who are really being of assistance during a time of the year when we frequently have staff shortages.
07/11/2010 5:50 p.m.
Don
Snow balls in June
What a way to beat the heat -- a nice cold snowball! That was what the guests at the Tompson Center experienced on Tuesday, June 29. Plum Street Snoball served their treat to 175 guests and staff. We are grateful to Emile and Annabelle Netzhamer whose generosity made this treat possible. We look forward to a day in July and one in August for a repeat performance!
07/11/2010 5:45 p.m.
Don
Bring on the Smiles
We have been blessed by the presence of Jim Belfon, the photographer of Gulf Coast Photography Project. For the fourth time in the past two years, Jim has come to the Center to take portrait photographs of our guests. On May 12, 2010, about one hundred people had their portraits taken and then we provided them with a frame. Our guests take such pride in these pictures and rightfully so! Thank you, Jim Belfon!
07/11/2010 5:35 p.m.
Don
The Year in a Glance
In our ministry to the homeless of New Orleans during the past fiscal year, we have been able to provide our services through the generosity of our sponsors' and volunteers' contributions. The number can be staggering when thought of as there are so many homeless people; they can be amazing when thought of as so many people being helped.
| Services | July - Sept. '09 | Oct. - Dec. '09 | Jan. - Mar. '10 | Apr. - June '10 | Yearly Totals |
| Laundry | 1,002 | 938 | 890 | 970 | 3,800 |
| Legal | 208 | 188 | 234 | 250 | 952 |
| Medical | 509 | 523 | 506 | 518 | 2,056 |
| Mental Health | 108 | 102 | 137 | 150 | 497 |
| Phones | 50,400 minutes | 50,400 minutes | 50,400 minutes | 50,400 minutes | 201,600 minutes |
| Showers | 5,386 | 4,482 | 3,948 | 5,417 | 19,233 |
| Toiletries | 1,770 | 1,650 | 1,800 | 1,830 | 7,050 |
| Total Guests | 9,676 | 12,332 | 13,168 | 14,488 | 49,664 |
07/11/2010 2:09 p.m.
Don
Generous Grants
The Harry Tompson Center is proud to announce grants from the following funding groups:
Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Greater New Orleans Foundation IMPACT grant
Joe & Dorothy Brown Foundation
Frank J. Lewis Foundation
Rotary Club
UNITY of Greater New Orleans
We are grateful for the generous support of so many for the homeless people of the city.
07/11/2010 10:38 a.m.
Don
Homines Pro Aliis Award
Each year the Jesuits of the New Orleans province host their annual Homines Pro Aliis banquet. (Homines Pro Aliis is Latin for 'Men for Others.') The event was held in November 2009 at the Hilton Hotel. Each Jesuit affiliate in New Orleans dsignates one person to receive this award. The Tompson Center was honored to designate J. F. Thompson who has been volunteering with us for over two years. When J. F. first started volunteering with us, he came in two days a week and oversaw the operation of shower area. Now he comes in every Tuesday and Wednesday and signs in the guests for the services they seek for the day. J. F. is such a valued part of our center; he is a helpful and caring presence. We would be lost without him.
07/11/2010 10:33 a.m.
Don