About Holistically Us
Holistically Us was founded on a simple yet powerful belief: every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their circumstances. Established in January 2025, Holistically Us began as an idea and a Facebook profile, rooted in compassion and a desire to approach homelessness and housing insecurity in Western New York in a different way. What started as a vision has grown into a developing nonprofit organization dedicated to walking alongside individuals experiencing homelessness with dignity, respect, and genuine human connection.
From the beginning, our focus has been on people first, not on labels, statistics, or assumptions. We understand that homelessness is complex, deeply personal, and often shaped by systemic barriers. Our role is not to "fix" people but to support them, uplift their voices, and help remove obstacles that prevent them from achieving stability and opportunity.
Our Journey So Far
During our first year, Holistically Us has actively engaged with the Western New York community through hands-on volunteering, collaboration, and outreach. We have had the opportunity to serve at organizations such as Friends of the Night People and Big Big Table, learning directly from those already doing meaningful work while building relationships based on mutual respect.
Additionally, we have worked to connect with other local nonprofits and community resources across the region. We understand that lasting change is achieved through collaboration, not competition. In that spirit, we proudly participated in Project Homeless Connect, demonstrating our commitment to showing up where our community needs us most.
Although we are still in the process of securing housing for our organization and obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, we remain proud of how far we have come. Each step forward, no matter how small, represents growth, learning, and a deeper alignment with our mission.
What We Do
Holistically Us is dedicated to providing trauma-informed, person-centered support that recognizes lived experiences as valuable expertise.
Our work includes:
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Community based volunteering and outreach.
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Programs designed to reduce barriers to stability.
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Creative and educational projects that empower unhoused individuals.
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Advocacy through storytelling, education, and open dialogue.
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One of our core values is sustainability. We focus not only on temporary relief but also on creating pathways that help individuals reclaim their purpose, confidence, and agency. Through initiatives such as skills-based programming, community education, and creative projects, we strive to ensure that the people we serve are not spoken about, but spoken with.
Sharing Voices & Building Connection
Storytelling is a powerful tool for change that we use intentionally. Holistically Us publishes a newsletter that highlights our work, reflects on community needs, and shares educational content rooted in lived experiences and research. These newsletters serve as a platform to inform, advocate, and invite the community to engage in a deeper understanding.
We’ve also launched a web podcast, where conversations explore homelessness, resilience, lived expertise, and systemic challenges. Through these episodes, we aim to humanize experiences that are too often misunderstood and to amplify voices that deserve to be heard.
Our Team & Values
Our team comprises individuals from diverse professional and personal backgrounds, such as social work, healthcare, culinary arts, and more. This diversity enables us to adopt a holistic approach to our work, recognizing that stability encompasses physical health, emotional well-being, fulfilling relationships, and access to opportunities.
As we continue to grow and expand our team, board, and volunteers, we hope to draw on the backgrounds and experiences of both those we serve and those who serve. What unites us is our shared passion for the cause and deep respect for human dignity. We leverage our experiences not just as credentials, but as valuable tools to better serve our community.
Looking Ahead
As Holistically Us continues to grow, we are actively seeking volunteers, board members, and staff who align with our mission and values. Whether you have professional expertise, personal experiences, or simply a desire to help, there is a place for you here.
We are excited about the future as we expand our programs, strengthen our partnerships, and continue to support our neighbors with compassion and integrity. While we recognize the challenges that still lie ahead, we remain hopeful, committed, and proud of the foundation we are building.