March 2024 Newsletter
Providing A Meal Alleviates The Worry Of One More Burden.
Through Hearts’ Commercial Kitchen, receiving a meal is one less burden someone living on the streets has to worry about. Folks do not have to choose between a Code Blue shelter meal or a Hearts Mobile Soup Kitchen meal. There could be various reasons why someone might not be in a shelter. One possibility might be a lack of available space in existing shelters. Some people might avoid shelters due to personal safety concerns. Others might not be aware of the available resources. Some are not allowed due to past behavior that can stem from addiction and/or mental health challenges. These are just a few potential explanations, and each individual’s situation is unique.
Joseph is a former Marine who served in the Vietnam War and suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Joseph comes each night to the Mobile Soup Kitchen with his service dog Jerry, a beautiful and friendly Golden Retriever. Joseph readily admits that Jerry keeps him grounded.
Without Jerry and his prescribed medication, his PTSD would get the better of him more times than he would like. When speaking with Joseph, you can tell he is tenseand anything could spark his anger. For people experiencing homelessness, their pet is the main source of support which helps to combat feelings of loneliness. It’s also another reason why one would choose not to stay in a shelter if it meant leaving their companion behind. No matter one’s choices or situation, the Hearts Mobile Soup Kitchen has been there for those in need five nights a week since 1990, to help with the burden of hunger and to provide hope.
Like Joseph, there are many more stories to be told. While each story is different, they share a common thread. Each of our clients are looking for that one bit of compassion and kindness. Hearts can serve as a beacon of hope during their journey through challenging times. Our work resonates with divine purpose, reflecting the love and grace of God. This love radiates from you, to our clients, instilling within them a sense of hope and providing them with much-needed support and sustenance.
Join us in praying for those on the streets. Help us provide meals with dignity and compassion by donating today.
Help For Today, Hope For Tomorrow
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry makes fresh produce and meats available. We seek out food in bulk from local companies in order to bring these fresh items to the food pantry.
In February, Hearts Harvest Food Pantry Served 18,441 Meals
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 603 | 10 | 23 | 722 | 1,052 | 192 | 2,049 |
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry serves the 14207 community Tuesdays 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and Fridays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Hearts Food Pantry Express
The Hearts Food Pantry Express is a mobile solution designed to address food insecurity in communities across Western New York.
In February, Hearts Mobile Food Pantry Expresses Served 3,267 Meals
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 121 | 5 | 20 | 95 | 157 | 86 | 363 |
Hearts Food Pantry Express at Christ United Methodist Church serves Mondays 12:30pm – 4:30pm. Hearts Food Pantry Express at Buffalo First Church of the Nazarene serves Thursdays 11:00am – 3:00pm.
Hearts Mobile Food Pantry
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry makes fresh produce and meats available. We seek out food in bulk from local companies in order to bring these fresh items to the food pantry.
In February, Hearts Mobile Food Pantry Expresses Served 367 Meals
| Households | Infants | Toddlers | Children | Adults | Seniors | Individuals |
| 112 | 2 | 11 | 132 | 178 | 44 | 367 |
Hearts Mobile Food Pantry is held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Hearts Campus from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
During the month of February the Hearts Thrift Stores offered a unique opportunity to show compassion to those in need of food. By purchasing a heart, you were purchasing a meal for someone in need. We are happy to announce that our Hearts For Hearts initiative raised $1,992.78! This means, 813 meals will be provided to our homeless brothers and sisters and people in need! Thank you to our customers who supported this initiative and provided a meal
If you missed it, you can still donate and provide a meal to someone in need.
National Fuel Becomes A Sponsor For The Hearts Commercial Kitchen Renovation
Thank you to National Fuel for being a part of the Hearts for the Homeless family. Building a brighter future with modern equipment will mean more meals, cooked faster and healthier, reaching thousands of people in need each month.
Click here to read more from this HeartsBeat blog
Become a 1/1,000 hero! Let’s fill not just plates, but hearts, with the power of community. Click below to donate towards the challenge.