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. Rather than being discharged to the street or to a shelter environment not conducive to healing, BTH offers hospitality in a home environment, preventing 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 housing and connections to supports in the community in hopes that they'll be 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 permeant housing.
FEEDBACK FROM GUESTS
" I injured myself while I was homeless. RIght before I know about BTH. I was being pushed to my limits. BTH entered into ny life and gave e hope and faith again. It helped me realise 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
Food, fun and celebration!
You are *enthusiastically* invited to join us on Saturday, July 27 from 5-7pm, to celebrate the 6th Anniversary of the Bob Tavani House for Medical Respite! It has become such a fun annual tradition to host a casual backyard BBQ and chance to connect at the house -- all are welcome! We'll have hamburgers, hot dogs and carrot dogs on the grill, and an array of other picnic fare (including vegetarian options). Plus, we'll have games and good conversations with good people who are, "people for people who need people". We hope you can make it!
Special thanks to our Board of Directors and our House Team for hosting this event!
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
Bob Tavani House for Medical Respite provides home-style hospitality for folks experiencing homelessness and an acute medical condition. While guests are at BTH, they have a safe place to heal, three meals a day, transportation supports, and we help them connect to people and services in the community to have positive supports when they transition out of BTH. Your generosity allows us to continue providing critical services and programs to those in need.
https://donorbox.org/bob-tavani-house
"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