Friends of Night People is a non-profit organization founded in 1969 whose mission is to provide food and necessities to address the effects and impact of poverty in Buffalo, NY. With 31% of people living in poverty in Buffalo, according to 2017 Census Bureau data, we recognize that there’s a growing need to help our neighbors. Our goal is to treat each guest with kindness, compassion, dignity, and respect. We advocate for those who have fallen on hard times and work to dismiss misconceptions of those experiencing homelessness. Hot meals prepared by our chefs are provided 365 days a year and are served by volunteers. On a typical day, our Hudson Street and Paderewski Drive locations serve a combined total of 267 meals. Our on-site food pantry is available twice a week and gives those experiencing food insecurity the opportunity to enjoy meals in the comfort of their own homes. Our network of 10 partnerships helps provide meals and support from South Buffalo to Riverside, and from our home in Allentown to Buffalo’s East Side. In 2019 alone, we served 121,000 meals with the help of our partners. Individuals in need are provided with clothing and hygiene products and have access to shower and laundry services, which bring a sense of normalcy and comfort to their living situation. Our free medical, podiatry, and optometry services help relieve the burden of high healthcare costs. Social services we offer include assistance with emergency housing, identification, advocacy, mail services, and job readiness. We empower our guests to achieve greater independence for themselves and their families. We’re always looking for new “friends” in order to combine our knowledge, resources, and willingness to help others to make a huge impact on the community! If you’d like to become a mentor, serve a meal, or hire someone who needs a second chance or if your business can provide volunteers, in-kind services, financial support, or run donation drives, please reach out to us.
