Buffalo City Mission Launches 1.4 Million Restore Hope, Dignity, And Lives Campaign

The Buffalo City Mission kicked off its annual “Restore Hope, Dignity, and Lives” fall campaign today with the support of an “old” friend. Former Executive Director Tom McLaughlin joined Board President Michael Vincent and The Honorable Mayor Byron Brown to launch the $1.4 million annual campaign that will fund services at the Mission’s Men’s Center and Women and Children’s Shelter, Cornerstone Manor.

According to Aubrey Calhoun, community relations director of the Mission, now more than ever the Mission is in need of the community’s support. The new Cornerstone Manor, built in 2006, houses nearly double the number of homeless women and children than the old facility. “While the building is new and much more efficient, we need additional resources to serve the hundreds of women and children whom we are now serving,” said Calhoun.

The fund raising campaign will span the months of October, November and December, and Mission officials expect to raise about 30 percent of its annual budget during this time.

Buffalo City Mission Board President Michael Vincent added, “Each year we count on the generosity of Western New Yorkers to help us provide services for hundreds of people in need. Year after year, this community steps up to the challenge and help us successfully meet the needs of neighbors who urgently require our assistance.” 

Last year the Mission provided nearly 77,039 nights of shelter, 158,428 meals and 2,449 bags of groceries to families in need. The Mission also provides free clothing and hygiene items, as well as a myriad of programs that include: health care, day care, GED classes, addiction recovery and numerous other services that help people changes their lives.

“The Buffalo City Mission provides a vital service to the City of Buffalo and its suburbs,” said Mayor Brown. “It ensures that people in our community have their basic needs met. Beyond emergency needs, the Mission and its dedicated staff give people the tools they need to change their lives for the better. I urge Western New York to give generously.”

To give to the Restore Hope, Dignity and Lives campaign, please call 716-854-8181 or donate to: Buffalo City Mission, P.O. Box 496, Restore Hope, Dignity and Lives Campaign, Buffalo, New York 14205-9914.

The Buffalo City Mission, founded in 1917, is a not-for-profit organization that provides preventative, emergency and long-term recovery services to thousands of people who are homeless or impoverished. The Mission includes: Women and Children’s Shelter (Cornerstone Manor); the Men’s Center; the Mission Motors Vehicle Donation Program; and two thrift store locations to better serve our community. For more information, please visit www.buffalocitymission.org or 854-8181.