Over the past few weeks, Key Resource Group has partnered with area businesses and individuals to contribute to the relief efforts for one of the most vulnerable populations in our community – our area homeless. This winter’s weather extremes were grueling for all Western New Yorkers, but for those lacking appropriate shelter, it was life-threatening. February was the coldest month in Buffalo’s recorded history, with temperatures remaining below the freezing mark the entire month.
We partnered with the Buffalo City Mission to address some of the organization’s most urgent needs. Spearheaded by Lynn Frontera, Senior Recruiter and Account Manager, we were able to collect and donate over 100 new and used items to help warm those in need, including sweatshirts and a large variety of blankets in just a few short weeks.
One of our client companies shared our flyers throughout their facilities, and their employees’ efforts generated two carloads of warm things that KRG delivered to the mission.
Code Blue is a multi-agency emergency action plan to address hazardous temperature and wind-chill situations in the area between November 15th and March 15th with outreach efforts concerted to bring people indoors for a hot meal and a safe, warm place to sleep.
The Buffalo City Mission’s website states the following about their “Code Blue” program:
Homeless people who lack warm clothes and are weakened by hunger can succumb to harsh weather sooner than they might think. Since 2009, the city of Buffalo has partnered with the Western New York Homeless Coalition to implement the “Code Blue” emergency plan.
When temperatures drop sufficiently – or the wind chill is especially bitter – Code Blue is announced on local TV and radio stations, as well as websites. The Buffalo City Mission opens its doors especially wide to provide shelter, clothing and hot meals for anyone, but especially for the chronically homeless, who do not want to reside in shelters. We even send our van out to bring people in from the cold, making stops by the Friends of the Night, the Belle Center, several libraries, homeless camps and under bridges.
Our doors are open to the homeless 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but when a Code Blue is called, we make extra space to accommodate everyone who needs shelter from the dangerous weather conditions. To provide food, blankets, warm clothing and more for the additional influx of people, we really need help from the community.
As this record-breaking winter draws to a close and the milder weather approaches, the Buffalo City Mission continues to have needs as it strives to serve our community. For more information, to donate, or to volunteer, visit www.buffalocitymission.org