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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. |
From My Perspective: Inside the HTC
We are Family
I'm getting really cheesy here-forgive me. I've resorted to quoting the Jackson five. But then again, if you've read any other entry, it's only in keeping with my style.Nevertheless, the feeling is undeniable. When I look out over the Center and see people laughing, talking, reading, and spending the day with one another, there is a feeling that comes over me that is hard to describe. Since day one at the Center, I have walked into the Center feeling not once like I'm headed for "another day at the grindstone" but that excited feeling you get when you're about to spend quality time with your family.
Of course, that's not to say we all get along perfectly. I did, after all, compare them to family (and the Jackson family at that). Sometimes we drive each other up the wall. Sometimes our personalities clash like nails on a chalkboard. But amidst all our faults and quirks and peculiarities, ...[Read More]
Dan Thelen - 2008-07-29
Never a Dull Day
What should you expect when you walk into our Center? Stories to bring home to tell your kids or friends, that's what. Beyond that, well, there really is no telling. Also, expect to find that people here feel loved and accepted and have fun and meet friends and laugh and share stories and confide hurts and get a hug and find peace and rest and read and appreciate life and know that they're not alone and...well words can't really capture the characters we have here at the Center. Sit down and have a conversation with any one of our guests and I guarantee you will know what I'm talking about.
Oh, and expect to see us offering a few services here and there as well. But these are really just the tip of the iceberg of what we're all about.
I promise every volunteer who comes into our shelter that they will never have a dull day. And I mean that in the best way possible. Just come with an open heart, a dose of humility, and a ...[Read More]
Dan Thelen - 2008-07-29
The Not-for-Tourists Tour of the Quarter
A stroll through the French Quarter (or anywhere in town for that matter) is always made even more special because I see something there that most tourists either miss or perhaps even seek to avoid. That is, the friends I know from the center who I bump onto there. I went with my friend Roberta to get beignets and just chat away a lazy Sunday. First things first, I wait in line for the restroom at Cafe du Monde and sure enough run into Ralph, who informs me that he's working the ice cream stand and that I should stop by for some (free?) ice cream. After dousing ourselves in powdered sugar, we decide to take a little stroll of the Quarter. Music is playing, artists are displaying their work, performers are gathering crowds. Beneath the lofty shadow of St Louis Cathedral, I hear a voice call out in the darkness. It's Floyd. Are we open yet after the break-in? He asks. I assure him yes, and he sighs in relief and assures me I'll ...[Read More]
Dan Thelen - 2008-06-02
Playing Chess with Darts
Sometimes blessings come in surprising ways. Memorial day was a free day for me, and my only plan was to meet up with my friend Glenn from the shelter for a game of chess. This would be our second time getting together. The first time left me with two victories but "only because I was worried about making it to the Mission on time" he assured me. And I don't doubt him; they were close ones. We set up in advance to meet by the river at 11:30. I came close, around 11:45, so we set up beneath a glorious and powerful fan and opened up the chess box to behold-a bag of darts and some checkers, nothing more. Oops. Clearly, I was too afraid I'd lose and set up this clever "mistake," Glenn mused. I joked that we could use the darts in a competition and make targets out of tourists.
Well, instead of plotting over pieces, Glenn and I spent the afternoon telling stories about our lives while ...[Read More]
Dan Thelen - 2008-05-29
Turning the Heat Up
Things are heating up in New Orleans, and likewise things are heating up here at the HTC. Most notably, the group from Detroit Mercy are braving the heat to build us a brand new medical center. This facility will allow us to provide better attention and care to the sick and injured guests that come to us. And to boot, these guys and gals work twice as hard as a regular crew for half the cost. Gotta love those Michiganders. I recall these great benefits daily as the sounds of drilling, sawing and pounding compound with the sweltering heat of the laundry room.
Also, the Rebuild Center was truly on fire recently when our guests showcased for us their many talents for our first ever Rebuild Center Talent Show. After eating hot out of the oven hotdogs and burgers the staff along with the guests watched our guests sing, read poetry, play the harmonica and even tell jokes for almost an hour. Everyone ...[Read More]
Dan Thelen - 2008-05-29
If Jesus Ran the HTC
I seem to finally have down the rhythm and flow of life at the HTC. I perform my services in a smooth and steady routine. I respond well to trying and difficult situations that come up. I manage to listen and be helpful to people. I ask “how are you?” and talk about life and everything in between. I still offer showers and do the laundry with a big smile (most of the time). Heck, sometimes I even find myself humming while I fold the towels. I'm not always at my best mind you, but I do go home knowing that even if it wasn't obvious, I somehow made a difference in someone's life that day.
[Read More]
This is certainly the most unique job I’ve ever had. There’s no money incentive. No one is trying to boost our sales of showers and laundry, since everything here of course is absolutely free. Competition to get ahead is replaced by cooperation to work together and help those most vulnerable among us. There is no product that I’m seeking to push and really very little that I can give greater than the little flame of love that I hold in my heart. However, like any good company, there are in fact a few goals that we’d love to achieve. Namely, that every person is insured the basic rights of life like food, shelter, medical care, love and affection and acceptance in society. The whole community suffers when its members are denied any of these essential human ...[Read More]
(Written in October 2007) I’m Super Dan, coming to save the day! Well, to tell you the truth, I think I’m beginning to look more like a decapitated chicken. I prefer to think of myself as Super Dan saving the world one toothbrush or plastic bag at a time, but I’m sure from the outside I look more like the former than the latter. Being amongst these diverse and wonderful people and knowing that I can help people gives me boundless energy, but channeling that energy is another story altogether. I’m trying to learn the fine art of doing my best to help people and to stand by the rules and limitations of the shelter (and myself!) It’s a lesson in patience and love, really. The Super Dan in me has had to learn that there’s only so much I (or anyone) can do. I ...[Read More]
Hi! My name is Dan Thelen and I am a Jesuit Volunteer working for the Harry Tompson
Dan Thelen - 2008-03-13A Different Kind of Valentine
Dan Thelen - 2008-02-29More Than Cornflakes Make Mornings "GRREAT!"
I realized recently that I haven’t had a single day when I woke up and thought, “darn, I have to go into work today.” Rain or shine, my heart is eager to encounter the uncommonly beautiful and strikingly unique people that make every day a fresh and inspiring experience. Since I first started, there’s been a gentle shift in my morning monologue from the deflating realization of, “I’m going into work today” to the comforting inspiration of “I’m going to my second home to spend some crazy fun time with friends and brighten someone's life!” Every morning, I’m invigorated by watching the morning sun glisten through the trees as I rhythmically bike my way into work. Once there, I’m ...[Read More]
Dan Thelen - 2008-01-24Super Dan!
Dan Thelen - 2007-12-12Dan the Man (Menace)?
(Written in October 2007) To our guests I am referred to as “Dan the Man” or better yet, “Dan the Shower Man” and “Dan the Laundry Man.” That is because these are my primary duties here, and I do them par excellence thank you very much. But to my co-workers, I can become Dan the Menace at the
Dan Thelen - 2007-12-12Merry Christmas? Yes!
It’s been a strange Merry Christmas for the poor in
Dan Thelen - 2007-12-12Hearing Their Stories
(Written in October 2007) There are many stories I hear around the
Dan Thelen - 2007-12-12Allow Me to Introduce Myself
Dan Thelen - 2007-11-15