Thom’s Story of trust, and rest.

“It’s different, the night shift,” Thom shares, speaking over the phone. He works the night shift at Community Forward's 24/7 Drop-in Center. “There’s less activity. It’s about making the guests feel safe, comfortable, keeping things quiet so they can sleep.” 

“I remember one Tuesday night,” Thom reminisces. “I walked in, and the guests said, ‘We missed you! Where were you?’ ‘I don’t work Mondays,’ I responded. They appreciate that I just try to keep them safe and let them rest.”

For Thom, building trust is paramount. “So often, folks don’t want help because there isn’t any trust,” he explains. His empathy is not abstract; it comes from a place of personal understanding. “I was once in their shoes, seeking support and a way to better my situation.” Thom's own experiences have shaped his outlook, maturing him and igniting a passion to give back to those in need.

“There’s one woman at the Drop-In I keep an eye on,” Thom reveals. “If I get there, and she’s not in her chair, I start asking around.” When she eventually arrives, Tom shares he’s relieved that she isn’t lost, and asks her how she is. 

His dedication to individual care is evident. Thom spends his shifts fine-tuning the environment for rest, turning down TVs and checking on guests, quietly fulfilling his commitment to their comfort and safety. Thank you, Thom, for your commitment to our guests and to our mission at Community Forward SF. #ittakesusall

Thom was featured in our “We Believe” campaign. We are grateful for his service to his community and to Community Forward SF.