the homeless community of buffalo, ny
A PERSONAL BLOG OF OBSERVATIONS AND OPINIONS FROM WORKING WITH THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY.
Outreach Update: Sub Zero Mission visits Buffalo, NY from Ohio
I wish to give a big shout out to Sarge, Del, and the Gang for what I consider one of the biggest outreach events of the year here in Buffalo. On February 4, 2017, Sub Zero gave the gift of warmth to over 250 homeless people. Subzero Mission is a Non- Profit organization based out of Northeastern Ohio. Their goal is to live under the promise that nobody should freeze to death in America. Once a year, a group of volunteers make it their mission to come to Buffalo to help the homeless stay warm during the winter months by providing tents, sleeping bags, jackets, boots and other warming items. They bring with them “Gemma”, which is a modified school bus that they use to conduct outreach. After a rocky start and some vehicle issues, the Sub Zero team persevered through one of the most frigid cold days of the winter to make a difference in the Homeless Community here in Buffalo. I also give a big shout out to Pat and Karen from the VA for assisting and guiding Sub Zero throughout the city. To Sub Zero, the Buffalo Homeless Community thanks you for your hard work and perseverance. We welcome you anytime with open arms!
Here are some pictures from this weekend!
I wish to give a big shout out to Sarge, Del, and the Gang for what I consider one of the biggest outreach events of the year here in Buffalo. On February 4, 2017, Sub Zero gave the gift of warmth to over 250 homeless people. Subzero Mission is a Non- Profit organization based out of Northeastern Ohio. Their goal is to live under the promise that nobody should freeze to death in America. Once a year, a group of volunteers make it their mission to come to Buffalo to help the homeless stay warm during the winter months by providing tents, sleeping bags, jackets, boots and other warming items. They bring with them “Gemma”, which is a modified school bus that they use to conduct outreach. After a rocky start and some vehicle issues, the Sub Zero team persevered through one of the most frigid cold days of the winter to make a difference in the Homeless Community here in Buffalo. I also give a big shout out to Pat and Karen from the VA for assisting and guiding Sub Zero throughout the city. To Sub Zero, the Buffalo Homeless Community thanks you for your hard work and perseverance. We welcome you anytime with open arms!
Here are some pictures from this weekend!
CODE BLUE 32!!!
In January 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo of NY issued an executive order that orders the homeless off the streets with the assistance of local homeless service agencies when temperatures reach below 32 degrees. In response to this executive order, the WNY Coalition for the homeless will be initiating Code Blue 32 which is an expansion of the original Code Blue initiative.
"Code Blue 32” will be called on nights when temperatures or wind chill are between 16 to 32 degrees and will include services at our Matt Urban Hope Center and Harbor House shelters (St. Luke's will be closed these nights) as well as a daytime warming center located at Harbor House.
"Code Blue 32” will be called on nights when temperatures or wind chill are between 16 to 32 degrees and will include services at our Matt Urban Hope Center and Harbor House shelters (St. Luke's will be closed these nights) as well as a daytime warming center located at Harbor House.
Code Blue Season is officially underway. Code Blue is a community program to protect the homeless from the extreme cold. Select shelters in the community will open their doors from now until March, 2017 when temperatures get below 15 degrees F. If your in need of shelter please meet at the NFTA Central Bus station on Ellicott St around 8PM for transportation. The following Shelters will be open during code blue...
The Matt Urban Hope Center, 385 Paderewski Drive
St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, 325 Walden Ave.
Harbor House, 241 Genesee St.
Please put the word out!
The Matt Urban Hope Center, 385 Paderewski Drive
St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, 325 Walden Ave.
Harbor House, 241 Genesee St.
Please put the word out!
Take a look into the homeless population of Buffalo. This population makes up a part of our society that is often shunned and out-cased. Lets educate ourselves on the reality of the homeless situation in Buffalo and raise awareness of the many problems these individuals face every day.
A blog discussing the many different problems homeless people face on a daily basis. The blog will discover current issues relevant to social services, substance abuse, mental health, health care, care coordination, housing, as well as other topics. Please contribute to the blog in any way by leaving comments and sharing the articles on social media. This will help us spread the word.
A list of books on the topic of homeless. Some provide perspective on homelessness while others highlight the common themes associated with this population.
A provided listing of the many different services in Western New York.
PURPOSE of THIS BLOG
I have spent years working with the homeless community in various capacities. Whether is be through research, outreach, counseling, or volunteering; I have heard some of the most unbelievable stories...the most powerful tales of how a human being got to the point of hopelessness. I will bring forth relevant data, research points, stories and dialogue from homeless individuals, and contributions from representatives of homeless services industry. I will uphold all HIPPA protections on the cases I discuss on this blog and will in no way release any identifying information on any homeless individual.
My hope is that this blog in some way, shape, or form raises awareness and contributes to the need for a new direction in how we service this community. I also hope that it will lead to some thoughts that will change the way we view this vulnerable population. I would also challenge anyone who reads to leave feedback for purposes of advancing our contributions. I do not intend any words to contribute to stigma in any way. I appreciate the time you take to read this blog.
With warm regards,
-Chris
My hope is that this blog in some way, shape, or form raises awareness and contributes to the need for a new direction in how we service this community. I also hope that it will lead to some thoughts that will change the way we view this vulnerable population. I would also challenge anyone who reads to leave feedback for purposes of advancing our contributions. I do not intend any words to contribute to stigma in any way. I appreciate the time you take to read this blog.
With warm regards,
-Chris
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THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY OF WESTERN NEW YORK
2016