Each year, we help hundreds of women, men and children when they have no place to call home. 

Our Emergency Family Shelter is staffed 24 hours day, seven days a week with caseworks who work diligently to meet the needs of the homeless population in WNY. Not only do we house single women and single women with children, but we also shelter single men with children as we strive to keep the family intact during difficult times.

When staying in our Shelter, residents live in a structured setting with daily scheduled activities and meet regularly with caseworkers for housing assistance. Our Shelter is equipped with two playrooms for youth – Bright Spaces Room and The Goal Post Room. Our “Bright Spaces” playroom has been newly renovated for infants and toddlers and is equipped with the Second Step Social Emotional Learning curriculum. We also have “The Goal Post” room that is designed for the youth population that live in the shelter - this room has group games, a library and movies.

Kendra and her two sons, ages 3 and 17, came back to Buffalo after her husband was jailed for severe domestic violence and child abduction. Kendra was not able to stay with family here and found herself one very cold, snowy day walking up Main Street with her children. When Kendra saw The Salvation Army sign, she came into our Emergency Family Shelter. She and the children were extremely cold and had no place to go.

Kendra walked with a cane and had few belongings, basically all they owned was on their backs. The Salvation Army was able to give them a room with a hot shower, some dry clothes and a nice, hot dinner. The next day, caseworkers learned that Kendra was disabled, having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She and her boys stayed in our shelter for a little over 3 weeks while she searched for permanent housing.

When Kendra and her family left the Emergency Shelter, she said “A clean, safe, social environment was provided for my family. I am truly grateful to have been able to obtain shelter in such a great and caring environment. The Salvation Army not only provided housing for us, but also referrals and information to get established. Many thanks to you all!”

 

You can help us Rescue Christmas for families like Kendra’s who are facing poverty, hunger and job loss – with your help, we can Do The Most Good for our neighbors in need.

https://give.salvationarmy.org/buffaloredkettle