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67 year old Mr. Thomas Eckert had to leave his
residence of 28 years due to a rent increase.
Tom, as he likes to be called, was literally on
the street living hand to mouth for weeks until
he came to live at DePaul Residence, run by
Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese
of Albany. Tom is known and well liked by all
who know and meet him. His bright smile,
infectious laugh and sense of humor are always
on display. His philosophy is to “Live and let
live, to live life and get through it the best
you can.” At DePaul, Tom says, “The poor are
well taken care of and the food is the best in
the world!”
Luther Herring is a case manager for residents
of DePaul. He has been caring for others for
over 30 years. Luther says that the 50 residents
at DePaul, ranging in age from 18 to 86, are
helped through their struggles and are provided
with quality services and stable housing. Some
move on to independent housing and jobs. DePaul,
Luther says, “Provides “community” for people to
re-adjust and feel as part of the human family.”
Shyron Sanford has served as Site Manager at
DePaul for 3 years. “His job,” Tom Eckert says
gleefully with his trademark laugh, “Is to take
all the grief.” Born and raised in Albany,
Shyron was a star running back at Bishop Maginn
High School. Graduating in 1994, Shyron went on
to the University of Rhode Island. After
college, he ran homeless shelters in the State
of Rhode Island. What Shyron loves best about
his job are the people he works with, those who
are the caregivers and those who are cared for.
Tom Eckert best sums up the spirit of DePaul
when he says smiling,
“Home is where the heart is……and I have found my
home.” |
