A homeless man whom many only knew by his first named sadly passed away last month during a blizzard. Although he rarely spoke, the Williamsville community respected him, offered him unsolicited assistance and never questioned the choices he made. When residents learned that he had passed, many wanted to do something in his honor.
In less than 24 hours, $8,130 was raised via a GoFundMe page to help Larry’s family with memorial expenses. However, it was his family’s wish that the donations go to someone in need. After careful consideration, the group who raised the funds have decided that the entire amount shall go to the Friends of Night People, a nonprofit organization that has various community meal sites and programs for those in need. Whether it’s rebuilding their lives after losing a job or housing, exiting prison, dealing with deep family issues, or crippled by mental health or addiction – each person who finds themselves at Friends of Night People is welcomed with empathy, compassion and the desire to help.
Larry’s family was quoted in a letter sent to various local newspapers stating, “We are extremely grateful to the Williamsville community. Over the past years, you did not judge, but accepted him for who he was. His life became very simple, yet delicate.”
For more information on Friends of Night People, visit www.friendsofnightpeople.com.
