We're people for people
who need people
Welcome to the Bob Tavani House for Medical Respite
We're people for people
who need people
OUR HISTORY
Since 2018, we have been providing the Northland with a vital resource it previously lacked -- a safe, welcoming place for people experiencing homelessness to heal after being discharged from the hospital for an acute medical condition. Our home-like environment offers private rooms, nutritious meals, and supportive staff, providing a much-needed alternative to being discharged to the street or a shelter. This focus on healing prevents needless, harmful, and expensive cycles of patients returning to the hospital over and over again. While guests are with us at BTH, we work on securing housing and connecting them to vital resources in the community, such as social services, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. Our goal is to ensure they are in a better position when they leave our home. It is our organizing principle and our privilege to be “people for people who need people.”
OUR MISSION & VISION
Mission:
To provide a supportive home environment while fostering connections to community for individuals who have an immediate medical need and lack safe housing.
Vision:
A Twin Ports community where all people heal in a supportive home environment.
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In 2022, Bob Tavani House for Medical Respite (BTH) became a standalone 501c3 nonprofit. From mid 2022 through July of 2024 we've served 33 guests. Over 53% were discharged into permanent housing.
FEEDBACK FROM GUESTS
" I injured myself while I was homeless. Right before I knew about BTH I was being pushed to my limits. BTH entered into my life and gave me hope and faith again. It helped me realize that my candle was still lit. Though being far away, it still guided my way. That lit candle has broadened ever since."
Matthew VanGorder, Former guest and valued community member.
Community spotlight
Earth Day Spring Clean-Up Heroes 2024!
We are exceeding grateful to Jennifer Lorimor, Education Associate at Essentia Institute of Rural Health for coordinated Earth Day at BTH. Jennifer stated, "For the last few years, our Essentia Institute of Rural Health team has reached out to a deserving non-profit to coordinate a “spring clean-up”. This year they picked BTH! Jennifer and an Essentia crew of volunteer helped us to pick up trash in our neighborhood, till and prepare our garden space, rake and remove leaves, and clean BTH's windows. Additionally, we learned that Jennifer has crazy good tree climbing skills!
Thank you to these wonderful, compassionate, and generous Essentia employees who are now an extension of the BTH family:
Leslie Fontaine and her son, Owen
Meghan Gantz
Renee Lamoureux
Jennifer Lorimor
Tony Olson (also a BTH Board Member)
Special thank you to Kelly Wallin, Co-Site Director for organizing the event at the house!
Donate
The Bob Tavani House for Medical Respite provides a true home away from home for individuals experiencing homelessness who are recovering from an acute medical condition. At BTH, guests have a safe and comfortable place to heal, with private rooms and nutritious meals to aid in their recovery. We also offer transportation support and connect them with essential community resources to ensure a smoother transition when they leave our care. Your gift will directly support these vital services, providing a lifeline to those who need it most. Please consider donating today to help us continue our mission of compassionate care.
"Your support enables us to keep the lights on, provides nutritious food for our guests, and allows us to cover guest needs, like over-the-counter medications not covered by insurance, and boots & shoes in tough to find sizes. We’re so very grateful for your support, and hope you’ll continue to follow our journey!"
Kate Bradley, Co-Site Director
The Bob Tavani House for Medical Respite is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
EIN 86-3626016