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. Bringing this care might not stop him from using heroine again but we believe that assisting him in a low moment establishes a deeper relationship for trust to be established. 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 University’s House Calls 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