Current Appeal

When Michelle arrived in Buffalo, she was doing what so many parents do—trying to build a better life for her children. She had left behind an abusive relationship in the small town of Paulding, Ohio, hoping Buffalo would offer the fresh start her family needed.

Finding herself alone and struggling to make ends meet, Michelle discovered something she hadn’t expected: a Buffalo community that cared.

Life hadn’t been easy for Michelle. After losing her mother suddenly as a young child, she spent years bouncing through the foster care system. Eventually adopted at age twelve, her childhood was marked by instability and abuse. At just sixteen, she found herself on her own, learning the harsh lesson of what it means to struggle.

Despite her challenges, Michelle never lost her desire to help others. Since age eight, when her adoptive mother first took her to deliver food to homebound individuals and work in their church’s soup kitchen, Michelle had found purpose in service. “I loved helping people,” she says. “It made me feel whole.”

When Michelle found Friends of Night People, she found both a place to receive help and a place to give it. She became a guest and a volunteer—understanding firsthand what it meant to need assistance, and finding joy in helping others take that difficult first step.

“I felt ashamed needing help,” Michelle admits, “but you just have to swallow your pride and ask for help if you need it.”

At Friends of Night People, Michelle discovered something special. “Everyone there is so kind. It’s a godsend to a lot of people, myself included. From my experience, they genuinely care—it’s a place of loving, welcoming, caring and empathetic people. FONP always makes sure they have what you need.”

Today, Michelle’s life looks different than it did when she first walked through our doors. She recently became engaged to Tom, her neighbor at her apartment complex, whose family has welcomed her warmly into their lives.

This November, Michelle faces surgery for lung cancer. However, this time she faces this life challenge with Tom by her side, with family who loves her, and with the knowledge that she’s part of a community that cares.

“It makes me happy to make others happy,” Michelle says simply.

This is what Friends of Night People does every single day. We create a place where people like Michelle can find help without judgment, give back with dignity, and discover that they are part of a caring community. We provide meals, clothing, connection, and hope to hundreds of people each week who are struggling to make ends meet.

It is your support that allows us to do this work! As we enter the holiday season, a time when the need is the greatest, will you help us continue to be there for our neighbors?

Your generous gift today will provide warm meals, essential services, and the compassionate welcome that makes Friends of Night People truly a godsend for people throughout our community.