Word On The Street

Celebrating a Milestone in Medical Outreach!

Over the past thirteen months, our medical outreach van, in partnership with Housecalls for the Homeless – Upstate, has achieved an impressive 1,408 medical engagements with 210 unique individuals experiencing homelessness. This initiative has not only provided essential medical services but also fostered meaningful connections, restoring dignity and hope to those we serve.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Lehmann, Mia Ruiz Salvadore, and the dedicated medical students who have joined us on the frontlines, bridging the gap between our friends on the streets and the community providers who care for them.

Special thanks to the City of Syracuse – Office of the Mayor Office of Neighborhood and Business Development for assisting IMFK in securing the HUD funding that transformed our vision into reality.

Witnessing the community come together to support our most vulnerable neighbors is truly inspiring. We remain committed to making a difference, one encounter at a time, and look forward to continuing this vital work together.
#medicaloutreach
#doctorswhocare
#medstudentsrock

John and Leigh Ann

Meet JD, the culinary mastermind behind Food for the Streets! When John is away, JD steps up to the plate, whipping up mouth-watering meals that bring joy to our friends on the streets. With a heart of gold, JD pours love into every dish, making sure everyone feels seen and valued.

On this day, JD’s creamy homemade mac-n-cheese was the star of the show! It was a huge hit on the streets, bringing smiles and full bellies to those who need it most. John and Leigh Ann can rest easy knowing that the IMFK mission continues to thrive with the same excellence and heart, even when they’re away.

We’re so grateful for our incredible team, who embody the IMFK spirit with passion and dedication. They bring value to those who feel invisible, shining God’s love and light in the darkest corners. All glory to God for the amazing work He’s doing through IMFK!

Miracles Happen When We Work Together! 🌟

Meet Jeff, our dear friend and a shining example of resilience! Once homeless and living under a bridge, Jeff’s life has been transformed thanks to the tireless efforts of our IMFK team and the support of our amazing community! 🙌

With a roof over his head, courtesy of our housing assistance, Jeff was ready to tackle employment. Our Care Manager, JD, and the team worked diligently to connect him with opportunities. And then, the big day arrived – an interview at Mento Produce! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce that Jeff nailed it and landed a job! 🙌 A huge thank you to Mento Produce for giving Jeff a second chance at life. Your support means the world! 🌎

This journey from homelessness to employment is never easy, but with our dedicated Care Managers and the backing of our incredible supporters, we can make the impossible possible! 💪

Will you join us in Building Hope and Changing Lives? Your support makes stories like Jeff’s a reality. Donate now and help us continue to bridge the gap from homelessness to employment!

Thank you, our amazing Sous Chef Supporters, for being part of this beautiful story! Together, we’re making a difference! 💕

John and Leigh Ann

Dear Friends and Supporters,

What an incredible journey it has been at IMFK! Assisting our friends indoors is not just our goal, it’s our passion. But the journey begins much earlier, right in the waiting room, where we provide comprehensive support to prepare for this significant transition.

From connecting individuals to essential county services to navigating the complexities of paperwork for housing lists, we’re there every step of the way. And it doesn’t stop there; once indoors, we ensure they have everything needed to transform a house into a warm, welcoming home.

Take a moment to picture this: Eliesh and Alysia, our dedicated IMFK care managers, making the bed for Mark, a dear friend who’s just moving indoors. Mark’s story is one of hope and perseverance, and he joins over 300 individuals we’ve had the privilege of assisting off the streets of Syracuse since 2011.

None of this would be possible without you, our sous chefs of compassion. Your financial support fuels our mission to serve those who feel invisible, making days like these a reality.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary mission. Together, we’re not just changing lives; we’re nurturing souls.

Warm regards,
John, Leigh Ann, and the IMFK Team

Providing adequate and compassionate care for our homeless friends with mental health issues who reside in outdoor settings is a complex and multifaceted task. Our friends with mental health issues face many barriers to accessing appropriate services, such as stigma, discrimination, lack of trust, lack of identification, and lack of transportation. Moreover, living outdoors exposes them to harsh weather conditions, violence, infections, and substance abuse. These factors can exacerbate their mental health conditions and make them more vulnerable to physical and psychological distress. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a holistic and person-centered approach that addresses their needs and preferences in a respectful and dignified manner. Some of the strategies that can help in serving this population include:

– Building relationships and trust with the individuals through frequent and consistent outreach visits, listening to their stories, and respecting their autonomy and choices.
– Assessing their mental health status and needs using culturally sensitive and trauma-informed tools, and referring them to appropriate services as needed.
– Providing them with basic necessities such as food, water, clothing, hygiene items, and blankets, as well as harm reduction supplies such as needles, and naloxone kits.
– Educating them about their rights, entitlements, and available resources in the community, and assisting them with obtaining identification documents, benefits, housing applications, and legal aid.
– Collaborating with other service providers such as shelters, health clinics, mental health agencies, substance abuse programs, and police to coordinate care and ensure continuity of services.
– Advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of homelessness and mental health issues, such as poverty, social exclusion, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate mental health care.

We know that serving our friends with mental health issues living outdoors is not a simple task. It requires patience, perseverance, and empathy. But we also know that it is rewarding and meaningful work. We see the positive impact we make on their lives every day. We see them smile, laugh, and express gratitude. We see them take steps towards recovery and stability. We see them as human beings, not as problems. Serving our friends with mental health issues while living outdoors can be a challenge. But it is also a privilege and an opportunity to make a difference in the world.