Thaddeus Pettrey

Meet Thaddeus Pettrey, Community Responder!

During the World Cup and beyond, our team members demonstrate what care-based response looks like in action. Because behind every PAD assist is a person committed to helping another person move forward.

Headhsot of Thaddeus Pettrey, a community Responder at PAD. Thaddeus wears a black PAD hat and a white t-shirt with teal text and graphics that reads:"ATLANTA/FULTON COUNTY PRE-ARREST DIVERSION INITIATIVE".Thaddeus stands in front of a tree.

The Best Assist - Thaddeus Pettrey

Image features Thaddeus Pettrey, a PAD community responder, wearing a white t-shirt and black PAD hat, squatting behind a PAD van, placing an item into a box in the van's trunk.

“Regardless of their current circumstances, the people PAD serves are our neighbors and should be recognized and treated as a valued part of our community.”

If you could leave people with one message about PAD or the people PAD serves, what would it be? 

Regardless of their current circumstances, the people PAD serves are our neighbors and should be recognized and treated as a valued part of our community. 

What's the best assist you've received in your own life?

Having a strong support system, people don't realize how easy it is to become unhoused when you don't have family and friends on your team. 

What does "meeting people where they are" mean to you?

It means not judging regardless of the situation, and always aiming to help them as best you can.