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
At Bob Tavani House for Medical Respite (BTH), we believe in the power of healing and second chances. Since becoming a standalone 501(c)(3) in 2022, we've witnessed incredible transformations. We're thrilled to have welcomed our 100th guest! With over 53% of our guests finding permanent housing, we're seeing firsthand how medical respite can change lives.
Compassionate Care Between Hospital and Home
The Bob Tavani House for Medical Respite provides a compassionate bridge between hospital and home, offering a supportive environment for recovery following significant medical events. Guided by our Medical Director and dedicated Registered Nurses, we deliver expert clinical assessments, medication education, and resource coordination to ensure a smooth and safe transition to the next phase of care. Our mission is to support each guest’s healing journey while helping them build a foundation for long-term health and well-being.
Have a question for our medical team?
Email them at: referrals@bthrespite.org
Or call the referral line at: 218-206-0609
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.
Donate
Compassionate Care When It’s Needed Most
The Bob Tavani House for Medical Respite offers a true home away from home for individuals experiencing homelessness as they recover from acute medical conditions. At BTH, guests receive a safe, comfortable place to heal, complete with private rooms, nutritious meals, transportation support, and access to essential community resources—helping to ensure a smooth and stable transition after their stay.
Your gift directly supports these vital services, providing a lifeline to those who need it most. Please consider donating today to help us continue our mission of compassionate, healing care.
A New Model for Recovery
To better serve our guests, in January 2025, the Bob Tavani House transitioned from a non-clinical model to a coordinated clinical care approach. Under this enhanced model, guests receive on-site care and support from experienced healthcare professionals, with all clinical services and referrals overseen by a dedicated Medical Director.
Medical respite programs like ours have a measurable impact—both for individuals and for the broader health system. They reduce hospital readmissions, strengthen the continuum of care, and provide much-needed stability and access to follow-up services. In fact, for every $1 invested in medical respite care, an estimated $1.81 is saved in hospital costs.
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