June 2022 Newsletter
On Our Hearts: To serve is to care for more than just ourselves. Philippians 2 ESV
Years ago, God opened a door for Hearts to serve more of the homeless community through a partnership with other agencies during the seasonal Code Blue initiative that works to get individuals off the streets and into shelters. Two years ago, COVID caused this program to evolve and now two shelters in Buffalo have remained open 7 days a week as opposed to only being open on the coldest of Buffalo days. Hearts went from serving hot food and sandwiches to the shelters a few days a month during only the harshest months to every day. As you can see, years ago the connection was made and support was given, but today our impact is even greater. Through your prayers and donations, the continuation of this partnership is made possible and we are able to serve both those on the streets and those seeking shelter. Members of our community, our brothers and sisters, don’t have to choose between waiting in line for shelter or receiving dinner from Hearts Mobile Soup Kitchen. We want to share with you that the food is not just nourishing people physically but giving people hope. “…Especially those that walk in the door off of the street that don’t have anything at all. They come here and they need clothes and something to eat; they are especially appreciative.” – Anonymous Shelter Team Member
Admittedly, it is harder to develop personal relationships and minister to those in the shelters with this type of partnership but the food is made with love and it reminds us that sometimes we are serving on the front lines and sometimes we serve behind the scenes but the world needs all forms of service to others. Thank you for how you serve Hearts, it makes a difference.
“Serving the homeless isn’t exclusive for those sleeping outdoors and living on the street, we are committed toward assisting those in need every step of the way on their journey [to] get back on their feet.” – Skylar Shurr, Outreach Program Manager at Hearts
We are so excited to see what the future holds and are grateful for your partnership.
Hearts collaborates with the WNY Peace Center at Jefferson & Clinton in Buffalo
Hearts participated in a community event at Jefferson and Clinton on May 26th in response to the East Side tragedy at Tops Market. The event was an effort to pour love and support on our neighbors. Hearts was able to distribute meals, clothing and care packages filled with necessities while other agencies offered support services.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” ~ John 13:34
Life Church Buffalo Volunteers
Our new friends from Life Church Buffalo came to volunteer at our warehouse! We love being a relationship-focused ministry where we get the opportunity to meet and serve alongside great individuals, families, businesses, and churches from around the area. What a privilege it is to serve the community together!
SUPPORT HEARTS THRIFT SHOP
Come Shop at 890 Tonawanda St.
Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm
Profits help us to help the homeless!
Come in and see the changes!
From Hearts Kitchen
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter.” ~Isaiah 58:7
MAY 2022
Total Clients Served at Library – 570
Male – 472
Female – 98
Seniors – 7
Children – 7
Hot Meals Made for Homeless Shelters – 3,200
Meal Bags Made for Buffalo Dream Center Outreach – 400
Talk From The Street & Heart
“It feels personal, like I’ve been invited over for dinner, home cooked meals
are special to me.” – Anonymous Client
“I go through socks like crazy and they always have a fresh pair for me
every time.” – Anonymous Client
IMMEDIATE FOOD NEEDS
HOMELESS OUTREACH
MAYONNAISE, OLIVE OIL, CANNED POTATOES
ELBOWS, SHELLS, ZITI (for pasta salads)
DO NOT LEAVE DONATIONS OUTSIDE.
We cannot accept expired food or opened containers!
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry serves the 14207 area. Our pantry staff and volunteers welcome those in the community who need the help from a food pantry to feed their families, Monday 12pm to 4pm and Fridays 10am to 2pm at Hearts at 870 Tonawanda St. Riverside.
Through relationships, the ministry’s staff and volunteers are able to make personal connections with our neighbors. The pantry is a living example of God’s love for His people and hundreds of individuals and families are visiting this program each month.
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 423 | 38 | 78 | 464 | 727 | 116 | 1,423 |
Hearts Mobile Food Pantry
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 101 | 11 | 25 | 78 | 134 | 33 | 281 |
Click this video to walk through how we set up Hearts Mobile Food Pantry every 4th Wednesday of the month! We are so thankful to have great weather to hold the event outside!
Clothing Donations
We are so grateful for all of your donations. We also have a bin onsite at our outreach center at 890 Tonawanda Street; you can find the bins located in your area by going to our website at www.heartsforthehomeless.org, click on Bin Finder, put in your zip code and those in your area will appear.
