John Tumino

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

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. #TasteandSee

Today we were able to meet a new friend who is experiencing homelessness. We received multiple calls from a local business who was concerned for the safety of  a very friendly homeless individual residing behind their establishment. Our team was able to engage and introduce ourselves  and ask about his story. As we were talking I noticed an abscess on our friends hand and asked if Doctor Lehmann could take a look at it. He allowed Doc to examine him and proceeded to inform us that heroine is his drug of choice and that he wanted to be free from it. Doc asked if he would be interested in taking Suboxone as well as us making an appointment with Doctor Johnson and Doctor Aslam from Upstate Rehabilitation. Our friend was all in and so appreciative. Tomorrow he will meet with JD and Kat (IMFK Care Managers) to start housing intake paper work and JD will be transporting him up to the clinic to meet the medical team for treatment. JD has committed to being his sober support while he moves through this new journey of life. I love first contacts with new friends, you never know what your going to experience. Todays encounter was beautiful and we are looking forward to our friends transformation off of heroine. Thank you everyone for your continued support  of our Mission