About Us
Mission Statement
Hearts for the Homeless® is a non-profit organization that clothes and feeds the chronic homeless, poor, and those in need. Characterized by a profound spiritual motivation to share the Word of God, the program offers nourishing food, as well as clothing, pertinent information regarding area services, companionship and hope for the future.
Our Beginnings
Living in the back of a Ryder® truck was a reality for a time in the life of Founder, Ron Calandra. This experience drew him towards an unconventional path. From 1988 to 1990, as a missionary to Mexico, he raised awareness of the squalor there and initiated a program to bring relief efforts to Mexico’s poorest areas. After this work, Ron was inspired to return to Buffalo to serve his local community and founded Hearts for the Homeless® in 1990.
Today, Hearts for the Homeless® continues to serve the local community by feeding the poor and homeless and helping the community at large create better living environments through Hearts Ministry Center. As you walk through the ministry center, you will see remnants of collectible items reminding us of Hearts’ humble beginnings.
How You Can Help
Hearts for the Homeless® makes donating space
for a donation bin very easy.
Donate clothing at one of our 400+ bin locations. Donate brand new or gently-used clothing.
Organize a food drive for canned chicken and beef stew; or, sandwich cookies and sandwich bags.
Shop in our thrift store, there are many wonderful items!
Please help in continuing to support the less fortunate, or visiting our Support page for more ways to pay it forward. Your support changes lives.
Give Through Your Employer
Give through the United Way Donor Choice Program
at your place of employment.
Mail a Check
Send a tax-deductible check to:
Hearts for the Homeless®
PO Box 437
Buffalo NY 14223
In 2017, You Helped Us Reach 10,063+ Homeless and Poor People.
| Totals YTD | Total Served | Homeless | Male | Female | Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 920 | 438 | 795 | 115 | 10 |
| February | 851 | 332 | 740 | 103 | 8 |
| March | 892 | 411 | 772 | 109 | 11 |
| April | 846 | 343 | 685 | 153 | 8 |
| May | 785 | 347 | 647 | 132 | 9 |
| June | 729 | 326 | 599 | 127 | 3 |
| July | 790 | 327 | 631 | 327 | 17 |
| August | 1,026 | 474 | 823 | 184 | 19 |
| September | 940 | 360 | 726 | 201 | 13 |
| October | 1,115 | 483 | 876 | 233 | 6 |
| November | 1,169 | 459 | 918 | 232 | 19 |
| December | 948 | 431 | 774 | 168 | 6 |
| Grand Total | 11,011 | 4,300 | 8,986 | 2,084 | 129 |
Directions to Hearts for the Homeless® Ministry Center
Financials
Download our Financial Forms
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Call our office for additional records (716) 876-7346
Board of Directors of Hearts for the Homeless of WNY Inc. and Hearts Foundation Inc.
Ronald M. Calandra
President,
Founder and Executive Director
Nicholas M. Calandra
Secretary,
Chief Operations Officer
Eric Johns
Chairman of the Board & Treasurer,
Founder & Pastor of Buffalo Dream Center
Gerald Trotter
Member
Kevin Ripellino
Member
Staff
Hearts for the Homeless Staff
Ronald M. Calandra
Executive Director
Bio and contact info.
Nicholas M. Calandra
Chief Operations Officer
Bio and contact info.
Donna Blarr
Office Manager
Bio and contact info.
Jeff Friedman
Warehouse Manager & Bookkeeper
Bio and contact info.