The Buffalo City Mission has received some unexpected revenue from the City of Buffalo.So far this record-breaking winter, the Buffalo City Mission has provided more than 6,000 meals and 2,500 safe nights of sleep. To help cover the extra demand, Mayor Byron Brown says the City is increasing the Mission's Code Blue funding by $18,000. The City Mission's Executive Director, Stuart Harper says, the chronically homeless are more likely to listen when they're warm and have a full stomach. Harper says that's why serving hot meals is important.
"Then we can talk to them about services. It's about getting them stabilized. And mental health is one of the overriding issues. And getting them stabilized in their mental health so they can become productive. Maybe their mental health doesn't allow them to have a full-time job but it allows them to be a great volunteer at some organization. Or work a part-time job," Harper said.
There were 42 Code Blue nights in Buffalo this winter. With the increase, the City now provides the Mission with a total of $123,000 in annual funding.