Loatian Refugee and Amputee Reunited with Family in Thailand with Help of Kansas City Rescue Mission Homeless Guest

On Thursday, March 4, 2010, at 8:53 a.m., “Noe” Schampanakhon began the day-and-a-half-long journey to Thailand where he’ll be reunited with family after 12 years in the United States. He will begin the trip via United Airlines flight 6766 to San Francisco, then travel to Beijing and Bangkok, his final destination.

Noe came to the United States in 1998 as a refugee from Laos. He settled with family members in Chicago, but family conflicts later erupted and Noe moved out. Shortly after, his visa expired. After looking unsuccessfully for regular employment, Noe became homeless in Chicago.

Noe was unable to locate shelter on a frigid Chicago night and lost half of both feet to frostbite. In 2009, he traveled to Kansas City, seeking medical help, employment and shelter. September 2009, he walked into the Kansas City Rescue Mission, 1520 Cherry Street in Kansas City, Mo., seeking a meal, a bed and medical care and has been at the Mission ever since.

After hearing Noe’s story and his desire to return to his family, KCRM case managers began the process of obtaining a new visa and travel documents for him. Then another homeless guest, Bob Hornbeck, heard Noe’s story and decided to raise the $816 needed for airfare to Thailand.

Bob Hornbeck’s mother and another friend agreed to chip in to pay Noe’s airfare. MidAmerican Nazarene University also covered a portion of the cost. When his travel documents arrived (see attached), case managers made his airline reservations and located a suitcase for Noe!

“Noe is pretty excited,” says case manager Sarah Thibault. “I think it’s finally dawning on him that he is really going home!” A small group of friends from KCRM gathered at KCI’s United Airlines terminal to see Noe off .