John Tumino

We met Marc in 2019 and have continually engaged him with food and supplies while he’s been sleeping inside of a tent in the woods. We’ve recently been able to connect him with a housing provider and are waiting for a space to open up for Marc to call his own.

During our journey with Marc he expressed to us that the prescription glasses he received several years earlier were no longer meeting his needs and he was having trouble seeing both near and far. Our close partnership with Dr. Lehmann at House Calls for The Homeless allowed us to conduct an initial eye exam for Marc to determine his level of need and refer him appropriately. We transported Marc to a specialist in Auburn who was able to give Marc the proper prescription. Dr. Lehmann paid the bill for the exam and the prescription lenses. With prescription in hand, Marc was on his way to meet with Dr. Morrison at Renken Opticians in Syracuse to pick out his new face! Marc was able to pick out frames, Dr. Morrison affixed the lenses, and graciously gifted them to Marc. What a blessing!

There isn’t one person or organization that can do it all alone. It truly is a team effort, and we are thankful for people like Dr. Lehmann and Dr. Morrison who join us in showing true compassion and love to our friends experiencing homelessness. Our hope now is that Marc will see the road ahead a bit more clearly and be confident in knowing he does not have to make this journey alone.’

“JD”  DiDomenico, Care Manager

In My Fathers Kitchen

We met John back in November of 2017 flying a sign on the corner of West and Fayette Streets in Syracuse. Over the past four years there were many ups and downs with John. We would engage him every week during street outreach and in 2019 when Hire Ground was born he became a work participant. We would continue to love John through his journey and early this year in 2021 John was connected to a Housing provider and received keys to his place. IMFK supplied Groceries for the move in provided by our partner Abundant Life Christian Centers food pantry as well as a Covid-19 cleaning supply kit. After being housed John expressed interest in employment and had an interview set up with Metro Mattress, JD (IMFK Care Manager) was able to transport John to the interview were he was hired on the spot. Next John was ready to start driving, he never had a permit so JD set up an on line appointment for 6/2/21 so John could go after a drivers permit. John T. (IMFK Director) was able to drive John to his test appointment at DMV, we are proud to say that John passed the test and now has a valid drivers permit. On the way back to his house John T. let John now that we would pay for his 5 hour course that he needs to take. IMFK wanted to bless him and continue to give him a hand up through this new road he is on. We are so proud of you John for putting in the foot work, John works 30-40 hours a week now and will be receiving his 3rd pay check this week. John T. asked John how does it feel to get a check for your efforts instead of panhandling. John said AWESOME! Thank you everyone for your financial support, because of You we would not be able to do the out of the box scenarios with our friends outdoors. Thank you for Partnership

John and Leigh Ann 

Collaboration is a big KEY to the success of assisting our Homeless Friends indoors. Working a long side with Dr. Lehmann has been such a huge asset for us at IMFK. Doc takes out med students and introduces them to the work of compassionate care to our most vulnerable population, our homeless friends. We love watching the teaching that goes on between Physician and student as they both are laying hands on those who are suffering. Today we were able to assist a gentlemen who had multiple abscesses on his arms from intervenes drug use. Bring this care might not stop him from using heroine again but we believe that assisting him in a low moment establishes a deeper relation and trust. When our friend is ready to make a real change we will be standing there with open arms saying “Lets Go”! Here is more about House Calls For The Homeless 

Upstate Medical Universitys HouseCalls for the Homeless was started by Dr. David Lehmann and Mia Ruiz-Salvador in the summer of 2018. Its mission is to provide medical, psychiatric and addiction safety-net services for men and women without homes in Onondaga County. The Upstate program is one of a growing number of “street medicine” programs in the nation, and across the world.

HouseCalls for the Homeless provides services at emergency shelters in Onondaga County and often works with In My Fathers Kitchen, an outreach service that distributes food and other necessities to homeless people on the street.

Beyond the physical care, a physician’s medical diagnosis can often assist people to qualify for supportive housing, helping them off the streets. Statistics show that the longer a person lives on the streets, the greater his or her risk of death.

As Doc says “Don’t Let The Perfect Be The Enemy Of The Good”

Sous Chefs thank you for your continued support in Building Hope and Changing Lives 

John and Leigh Ann 

We met James in 2019 when he reached out to us about our Hire Ground work program. James was homeless living in a place not meant for human habitation with his dog. Its been 2 years and James has done a total 180 degree turn and is giving back. Check out his story and see the transformation that has taken place, going from homelessness to housing and now running his own Non Profit. Hire Ground its a hand up not a hand out, an Alternative to

Big thank you to Katrina, Steve and Team for Carrying IMFK’s Taste and See Syrup and Sauce. It’s Eating with a Purpose stop in say hello and pick up a Jug and a Jar 3501 James Street Syracuse 13206 #TasteandSee