A pastor in Buffalo took his message of love and compassion to the streets—literally.
Reverend Eric Johns spent five days living and sleeping on the streets to raise awareness of homelessness. Last week marked the 16th year that Johns has been homeless for a week.
"It's still my favourite week of the year," the Buffalo Dream Center pastor told WMAZ, "to be out there with the homeless, making connections with them, praying with guys, just bringing a little hope into their lives is really what it's all about."
According to the Homeless Alliance of Western New York, over 5,700 people experienced homelessness in the local area in 2013, and over 2,000 families with children lived in an emergency shelter or transitional housing.
Johns' campaign also raised awareness for Boxes of Love, a Christmas campaign that seeks to provide 3,000 families with food and gifts this holiday season.
Volunteers can help wrap gifts December 5 to December 18 at Buffalo Dream Center, and volunteers are also needed to distribute the items at sites across Buffalo, North Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, and Amherst.
"Boxes of Love began with one church helping five families with Christmas dinner and toys," the program's description read. "Over the years, Boxes of Love has grown into a coalition of churches, businesses, and individuals who work together in partnership to help families in the Buffalo area.
"Pastors and church leaders from around the United States and Canada have traveled to Buffalo to learn how to do the same thing in their communities. Each year Boxes of Love takes place in several different states as well as India, Pakistan, and Albania."
Other Buffalo Dream Center outreach activities include an Adopt-a-Block programme, Hotel Ministry, Mobile Food Pantry, and Kidz Club. More information is available on the church's website.
