Hello,
I’m not sure what to say when the senseless actions of one take away the lives of others.
This is what I do know.
Though I am not a native Buffalonian, I have called Buffalo my home for over twenty years. Buffalo City Hall is where I got my marriage certificate. The University at Buffalo is where I earned two of my degrees. All three of my children were born in Buffalo and it is the only home they have ever known. I love this city I call my home.
Buffalo’s nickname is “The City of Good Neighbors.” The feeling of community here is more than just words. Saturday’s hate crime crept into the home of everyone here and targeted our neighbors. It is devastating and heartbreaking to see this poison touch this beautiful city, but I remain steadfast in the belief that Buffalonians are stronger than any obstacle in our way. We will emerge from this dark time as we went in, a city of light.
This is not a time for pity or kind words. This is a time for action. There are so many ways to help.
Please click here for numerous opportunities to help through donations of time, talent, or treasure no matter if you're in the Buffalo area or you are looking to send love our way.
Again, I do not have words yet to express how I feel, but silence isn’t an option. In the words of George Couros, we have to “Make the positive so loud the negatives are almost impossible to hear.”
~Heather
P.S. I have two Catches of the Week this week. The first is a video highlighting the victims of the shooting. Please take a moment to watch and honor their lives in the wake of their senseless deaths. You will also see resources below the video if you are from this area and need resources or support.
Crisis Services counselors are available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion Sunday and Monday at 1100 Jefferson Ave. Crisis Service's 24-Hour hotline is 716-834-3131
Food will be available at The Resource Council at 347 East Ferry in Buffalo from 2 to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 16, and then from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until at least Friday, May 27.
Buffalo residents in the zip codes 14208 and 14209 who need help getting to and from a local grocery store can receive a free ride up to $20. The free ride applies to two local grocery stores: Tops Friendly Markets (425 Niagara Street, Buffalo) and Price Rite (250 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo). Those using Lyft can use the code 'BuffaloLyftUp' in the Lyft app to get their free ride. Uber has not announced a code for its riders at this time; however, the governor's office says the rideshare company will do so shortly
Victims’ families have an access compensation program available from the Erie County District Attorney’s Office with the New York State Office of Victim Services. For more information, you can call (716) 858-2400.