John Tumino

PEOPLE ALWAYS ASK WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE SOMEONE PANHANDLING
1. Say ‘Hello’
Most people don’t even recognize that the person panhandling is a human.
For many, we’ve been so
conditioned to disregard and not care about homelessness that the brain chemically
responds to that person on the street as if they weren’t a person at all.
These are people trying to survive. And at best, we treat them like a nuisance. You can help
those who are panhandling by just recognizing that person’s humanity.
Consider that other people passing by on the street are mostly ignoring these people
panhandling. Some people are even verbally and physically attacking them for panhandling.
The violence towards those experiencing homelessness has continued to increase.
Can you imagine what it would be like to be spit on and have insults hurled at you all day,
every day? After being questioned and humiliated all day simple
eye contact and a smile from a stranger can go a long way.
It may feel uncomfortable acknowledging them—especially if you don’t have money to give
—but that’s a personal issue
After making a concerted effort to unpack this feeling, I realized that the reason I might feel
uncomfortable when I see a person panhandling or a person experiencing homelessness is if I look at them I must do something.
NOW YOU CAN DO SOMETHING
Have the person CALL 211 and ask for the HIRE GROUND work program. It’s an Alternative to PANHANDLING
Onondaga County
I don’t have to sleep outside or ask for money to meet my most basic needs. And it’s hard
to accept that other people do.
But my being uncomfortable is not more important than their humanity.
I can do my part in supporting those who are panhandling by simply reminding myself that
they are human. I may still feel sad, upset, and uncomfortable, but I no longer allow those
emotions to make me turn away from the reality that there is still a person in front of me.
Look them in the eye. Give them a nod. Give them a friendly smile. Wish them a good day.
Do whatever you can to acknowledge your fellow human beings and Give them the #211

One of the Great things we love about CNY is the willingness that people have to get involved in community ptojects. Meet Andy from Andy’s Produce, I met Andy back in 2002 when my family was running a local restaurant in town (Asti). Since starting In My Fathers Kitchen in 2011 Andy and his company have been collaborative partners with us for many events. When I reached out to Andy last week to inform him of Elenas Pickle Stand and that we were in need of Pickling Cucumbers to continue her efforts in raising money and awareness for IMFK, he didnt hesitate to donate a full bushel of Cucumbers. This is what its all about, a young lady with a dream a business with a community mindset and a Non-Profit reaching out to our homeless in CNY. Do you know who the winner is in this scenario? Our homeless friends living outdoors. The money raised goes towards direct street outreach each week to show our homeless friends that they are not invisible. Now we need you our partners to purchase some of Elenas pickles and with your support we are building hope and changing lives in our City.

We met Kdog in 2015 Standing on a corner by Destiny USA on Park Street. Our relationship all started with a Lunch and unconditional Love. Well its six years later and Kdog is doing fabulous. Come on in and check out htis wonderful interview as Kdog shares his journey with us. 

These wonderful transformations are all made possible by your generous financial support. Thank you for being wonderful Sous Chefs,

John and Leigh Ann 

This past week we were able to meet a Veteran who served 4 years in the Air Force and 4 years in the Army National Guard and who is now homeless. Our new friend showed up to a HIRE GROUND pick up location to work for the day. During his work day Paulette (IMFK’s Care Manager) discovered that he was a homeless Veteran. Paulette called back to the office to speak with JD (IMFK’s Care Manager) to let him know that we had a homeless Veteran on the work van. JD is a Veteran as well and served in the Marine Core. JD drove out to meet our new friend to make an introduction and start the ball rolling to get him connected to Veteran Services. The call was made to Catholic Charities a housing provider who could assist him. We received a call that housing might be available by the weekend so our Team went out to look for our new friend. He does not have a phone so we went to look for him at his sleeping spot. In this picture you are seeing a location that he made himself for shelter. No one should be sleeping in these condition especially someone who served our country with HONOR. He was not there during our visit but we will continue our efforts to find him to give him the good news that housing is available. With your Continued support we are truly making a difference in the lives of those who feel INVISIBLE. Together we are Building Hope and Changing Lives

John and Leigh Ann

This is what its all about coming off the streets, excitement! The things we might take for granted are big deals for someone coming indoors off the streets.