BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Members of the Healing Hub of NY were out at Main and East Utica on Friday giving lunches to those in need.
Just like every Friday at noon, they pass out food, water, diapers and clothes, and hope for the community.
"There was a time when I was down here, I was homeless or I was in addiction. And all I wanted to do was be seen, be heard and to know that there was hope," said Kelly Whitfield, founder and executive director of the Healing Hub.
Whitfield said after she was able to heal from her own life traumas, she wanted to do something for those who were still hurting.
"Seeing people in the community go hungry, seeing people in the community go homeless, you can't just sit there - I can't just sit there and watch that, knowing that we can do something," she said.
And the need for help has increased because of the pandemic.
The Healing Hub of NY gives out 300 meals every Friday.,Each lunch bag has a positive affirmation on it, to let people know that they are seen and heard.
"There's just so many people who are overwhelmed. Stuck in fear, afraid, not knowing which direction to go. So we're here just trying to make sure people know that you're loved, you're part of the community, we're part of the community and we're just here to help," said Erricka Willard, the Food Drive's director.
And to continue helping, the Healing Hub will officially open its first ever office, a safe haven where people can heal.
It will provide free services like counseling, nutrition, yoga, meditation different workshops and more.
It opens this Sunday at 2 p.m., at 210 John Glenn Drive, Suite #3 in Amherst. At 1:30 p.m. Healing Hub volunteers will give out 300 hot Thanksgiving meals at Main and Utica Streets.
