John Tumino

What a Great experience we always have when working with the Girl Scouts. Troop 10494 has adopted IMFK again for 2020 and they have been hard at work though out the Summer, Fall and now Winter. First off they have been baking cookies for us through out the Seasons to drop off to our friends outdoors as a dessert to accompany the lunches we make week after week. This week they met up with us to present a flyer and a Brochure that the created to bring awarenes to our community. These items will be dropped off to locations in the area to give guidance to the general public of the do’s and dont’s when it comes to serving the Homeless. They also created PPE (Masks) for us to hand out to our friends to make sure they stay safe. Troop 10494 also surprised us with a cash donaton that is always a blessing to us at IMFK but the real Blessing for us is to see these young women coming together on behalf of those who feel Invisible. We are so encouraged by the next generation of young people, looking around our world today you can see loots of Darkness but Troop 10494 is showing that there is always a light shinning and leading away out. Thank you Troop 10494 for being True examples of what servanthood is all about!

John and Leigh Ann

Its Life and Death on the streets for those experiencing homelessness. Its with a heavy heart that we share with you the passing of our friend Darryl. We met Darryl back in 2018 when he was living outdoors in CNY. Darryl in his mid 50’s was very frail suffering from COPD and other health concerns. In collaboration with our Homeless Coalition we were able to get Darryl into housing late last year. We would still see Darryl from time to time to check up on him. We would bring him ensure, clothing, supplies and lunch as well as visits from Dr. Lehmann. Pictured here is Steve Med Student at upstate loving on Darryl this past summer. We were informed this week that Darryl was found in his apartment deceased two weeks ago. When I think of Darryl I quickly am reminded of his gentleness and appreciative heart for everything we did for him. Its a sad to know that he has passed BUT a positive thought we hold onto is that we loved him clothed him fead him and assisted him indoors. What an honor it was to have met him and to be able to serve him over the past two years. Till we meet again my friend on the other side, YOU WERE NOT INVISIBLE. 

Sous Chefs Winter is fast approaching and our friends outdoors need boots. One of the challenges of living outdoors in the winter here in CNY is keeping your feet warm and dry. One of our goals is to make sure that our friends have the proper foot care during our harsh winters. Two years ago one of our friends had to have two of his toes amputaed because of frost bite. Living outdoors in the winter is brutal and if we can bring some Dignity and Value to someone through a pair of boots so be it! Here is were we need your assistance, you can drop off a pair of boots at IMFK on Fridays between 12-2  or you can make a financial donation here on our page. No gift is to small, we appreciate you and your willing hearts.

John and Leigh Ann

Elenas Pickle Stand Its A Big Dill

Give in the right Place (If You Can)
People are panhandling for a reason. Regardless of what this person might have done
before, their basic living needs are not being met in the present.
Some individuals who have survived from panhandling have admitted that it is a very degrading
experience, and doing so is often a last resort.
While we might see stories in the media about people pretending to be homeless, asking for
money, and then zooming away in their convertible, that is truly not the case for the people panhandling on the streets of CNY.
We always encourage people not to give money to folks you see panhadnling.
Not everyone standing on a Corner is homeless, which may come as a surprise for many citizens in iur community. Over 90% 0f our friends who are standing on these corners are dealing with some type of addiction.

So were do I Give?
If you are able to help financially, but still don’t want to give your money to them
directly, you could ask what they specifically need and see if you could help provide that.
Consider purchasing gift cards to restaurants nearby or keeping a few Ziploc bags full of
things like toiletries and snacks in your car for these occasions.
Depending on where you live, you might see the same individuals every day. If you feel
comfortable enough, maybe invite them to join you for a meal somewhere. It’s okay to
establish a relationship, even if you can’t give your time or money every day.
Remember that it’s okay to say “no,” too. But if you are able and feel called to give money consider a local organization in your community who is doing direct street outreach to pandlers, then give.
Know that your money is going to be spent on the best choice for them.

Also in Onondaga County IMFK has Partnered up and has established the HIRE GROUND work Program. Its an alternative to pandhandling and provides a hand up not a hand out. You can direct a Pandhandler to call 211 for more information.