We’ve all seen reports that a horrific mass shooting took place in Buffalo, NY.  This incident was made even more sickening by the fact that the shooter was targeting Black and African-American people. 

Gun violence is the most significant unaddressed public health issue that we face as Americans. But so is racism. While President Biden has spoken about the cancerous effects of racism and white supremacist ideas, we await – once again – for substantive action. Our government must address the gun violence and racial hatred that plague our society.

The incident in Buffalo is an egregious example of the impact of racism on our country, and on Black and African American people in particular. We at Care For the Homeless are also keenly aware that racism is one of the root causes of homelessness. Our work must be informed by this knowledge every day. 

We must and do condemn racist violence; but we must do more: We need to commit ourselves to working in anti-racist ways each day.  I know you join me in this commitment, and we need to support one another in this effort.

The entire CFH community mourns with the families and friends of the victims of the Buffalo shooting.  We are also angry alongside the survivors and on behalf of every person of color we know who walks today with a little more fear. It is unacceptable for anyone to live in fear because of the color of their skin.

We thank our staff, friends, and you for supporting our mission to end both homelessness and racism.