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.

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 was laughing and cheering on one another and generally having a great time.  And I for one enjoyed spending quality time with our guests, enjoying their presence and appreciating their talents (for example, one voice singing and acting out the instruments at the same time!) while not worrying about the next load to come out of the dryer. 

Also, as the heat continues to rise, the number of guests coming in seems to be on the rise as well.  New and old faces are returning ever more to the shelter, and we found ourselves needing to be at the top of our game.  As we avoid burnout or passing out from the crazy heat, I hope that we continue to provide the very best for our guests and help them to shine brightly in the world. 


Dan Thelen 2008-05-29

Back to Reflections Index