Word On The Street

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

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.