Earlier this year, Harold sent us an email—his friend had recently passed away, and used to volunteer his time taking photos of Raphael House families. Harold had inherited them, and wanted to gift them back to Raphael House. We sat down with Harold to learn more about his friend, Thomas Linehan.
Thomas Linehan was originally a Bostonian with a heart for adventure. He loved the Beat Generation and was enamored with the poets in North Beach, deep in the 60’s, and found an unconventional way to drive out West. Tom took a job delivering a car to California, and lived in San Francisco until he passed.
While in San Francisco, Thomas came to Raphael House and donated his art to our organization. Not only did he come and take gorgeous pictures of our families—he helped build our Annual Report (which we featured on our Instagram a few weeks ago!). He even partnered with the First Unitarian Universalist Church on Geary & Franklin St. and exhibited these photos for the congregation, fundraising for Raphael House.
Thomas felt a need to help families experiencing homelessness as someone who never felt comfortable in his own home. His mother was volatile, his father an absent figure, and his brother had died of untreated appendicitis. His early years were markedly difficult—and still, he grew up a kind, caring individual who left a huge impact on Harold and all his friends’ lives.
Thomas came into himself when he found his true calling—photography. Harold remembers how Thomas had an amazing knack for getting children to look directly into the camera, to reveal something to any spectator. He was crazy about images all his life—constantly attending movie screenings, film appreciation classes, and working on his art (even traveling to Nicaragua!).
Even then, doubt would creep in. It wasn’t until he saw a photo he took at Raphael House of a girl, mischievously pointing at herself, that he thought to himself, “maybe I do have it.”
Raphael House is so grateful for Thomas’s contributions to our community, and to Harold for bringing his memory to life. We’re glad to hear that Raphael House held a special place in Thomas’s heart, and are glad to share some of his photos with you today.
We know that our volunteers, donors, and partners come to us with generous hearts, coming from many different backgrounds. If you want to share your donor story, contact us by sending an email to marketing@raphaelhouse.org!
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