As we reflect on the past year, and on last week’s LTHC gala, our lab is reminded of a simple truth that guides so much of our work with community partners: housing is the foundation.
It is the starting point for stability, safety, and wellbeing. And at LTHC, housing is just the beginning.
The Five-Year Progress
For the past five years, our lab has partnered with LTHC through community-based public health work. While many in Tippecanoe County know LTHC as the coordinated entry point for people experiencing a housing crisis, what is less visible is the depth of their health work—work that is essential to helping people not only find housing, but heal.
From medical respite care for people discharged from the hospital without a safe place to recover, to regular health assessments conducted by their Health and Wellness Director and trained Community Health Worker, Jodie Hicks, LTHC is doing critical work to navigate guests to the physical, mental, and behavioral care they need. Since the medical respite area opened in 2020, 145 people have been able to utilize the area to recover after hospitalizations.
Just this year alone, nearly 400 people so far have had health assessments or navigation to essential health services.
Thankful for the Amazing Partners on This Journey
LTHC is only able to do all of this because of key partnerships with healthcare organizations, mental health providers, and many others. Several years ago, many of these partners—including LTHC, Purdue University public health and nursing depts, our local Tippecanoe County health department, the City of Lafayette, and our area healthcare systems—began meeting weekly as the Homeless Health and Wellness Committee (HAWC).
Our goal is to understand and address the complex, multidirectional health needs of people experiencing homelessness, and to coordinate our efforts so no one falls through the cracks.
Health is necessary for housing stability,
and housing is necessary for health.
Someone without shelter cannot heal. Someone managing a serious health condition without support may struggle to maintain employment or follow a housing plan. LTHC understands this intimately, and acts on it every day. That’s why their mission extends beyond crisis response and rehousing.
LTHC is not only housing people—they are helping people heal. Their work restores dignity, hope, and possibility for neighbors who deserve both safety and health.
Calling support for LTHC’s mission
This Thanksgiving, our lab is grateful for LTHC’s leadership, for the partners who collaborate tirelessly, and for a community that believes everyone deserves a chance to thrive.
If you’re able this holiday season, we invite you to support LTHC’s mission.
Donate: lthc.net/#donate
Warm wishes for a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving.
Health TechQuity Lab 