Pastor teaches group about homelessness

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - One Buffalo pastor is giving up the comforts of home and family to raise awareness for the less fortunate.

Pastor Eric Johns of the Buffalo Dream Center has been living on the streets since Monday. He uses the experience to raise awareness about homelessness.

On Friday, he shared that experience with several area children and teens. The group went throughout the city to places where the homeless sleep, eat and spend time. Pastor Johns says he hope the day will change people's perceptions of the homeless.

His five-day campaign with the homeless is an effort to draw attention to those less fortunate during the holiday season and to raise awareness about Boxes of Love, a Christmas campaign with a goal of giving food to more than 3,000 families this holiday season. The campaign will also distribute 5,000 wrapped Christmas gifts to needy children.

Distribution will be located throughout Buffalo, North Tonawanda and Niagara Falls. Several thousand dollars must be raised in order to help these families. Those desiring to help support The Buffalo Dream Center's "Boxes of Love" program can call 854-1001.