Transforming Lives: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Fuels Buffalo City Mission's 'Home for the Journey' with Landmark $2.5 Million Gift

Buffalo, NY – A new dawn is breaking for Western New York’s most vulnerable. The Buffalo City Mission’s ambitious "Home for the Journey" capital campaign has received a monumental boost with a $2.5 million lead gift from the prestigious Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. This transformative grant marks a pivotal moment, propelling the Mission closer to its $17.5 million goal to construct a state-of-the-art facility, significantly expanding its capacity to serve the escalating needs of the homeless population.

The "Home for the Journey" campaign isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about building a future of hope, dignity, and genuine transformation.

The existing 35,000 square foot facility, a cornerstone of compassionate care for over 95 years, has been stretched to its limits. With a dramatic 40% increase in demand for emergency shelter services for women and children since 2018, the need for expansion is critical and immediate. This generous lead gift from the Ralph C.

Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a testament to their unwavering commitment to community well-being and a powerful endorsement of the Mission's vital work.

The planned 75,000 square foot facility will be a beacon of hope, designed from the ground up to offer comprehensive support. It will not only increase the number of beds for men, women, and children but will also revolutionize the delivery of services.

Envision a space where individuals can find not just a safe bed and warm meal, but also dedicated areas for addiction recovery programs, essential job training, educational resources, and holistic spiritual care. This integrated approach is designed to empower residents to move beyond crisis and embark on a sustainable path to independent living.

Stuart H.

Dunnewold, President/CEO of the Buffalo City Mission, expressed profound gratitude for the foundation’s generosity. "We are incredibly humbled and deeply grateful for the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation’s lead gift to our 'Home for the Journey' campaign," Dunnewold stated. "This significant investment is a testament to their trust in our mission and will serve as the cornerstone for our new facility.

It ensures that we can continue to provide crucial services, transforming lives and offering a pathway out of homelessness for our neighbors in Western New York."

The new facility promises to dramatically enhance the Mission’s ability to provide a full continuum of care. From emergency shelter and nutritional support to long-term addiction recovery and life-skills development, every aspect is being considered to create an environment conducive to lasting change.

The expansion will allow the Mission to serve more people more effectively, addressing the root causes of homelessness and fostering true rehabilitation.

As the campaign moves forward, the Buffalo City Mission invites the entire Western New York community to join hands in this life-changing endeavor.

Every contribution, big or small, will help build a brighter future for individuals and families striving to overcome homelessness, ensuring that everyone has a safe place to call home on their journey to self-sufficiency.