BUFFALO, N.Y. — Founded in the 1960s, the Buffalo group Friends of Night People offers individuals a helping hand through a time of need. It’s a safe place to find food, clothes and much more.

“Food makes you happy, especially if it tastes good," said Dwight Robinson, a chef at Friend of Night People. "Even if they don't taste good, they let you know too.”

Robinson is one of many people serving those who need a bit of support.

“I'm waiting on a rehab assignment for alcoholism. Haven't had a drink in five days,” said guest Ricky Savage.

For decades, Friends of Night People, along with a team of dedicated employees and volunteers, kept that mission alive.

“In addition to food, we also have shower facilities for guests, we have a clothing closet, we have a medical clinic twice a month, we have haircuts,” said Friends of Night People relationship manager Patricia Krehbiel.

Krehbiel has worked there for six years.

“I have a marketing background, so it was kind of using your powers for good,” she laughed.

She knows all it can take is a few paychecks for someone to get into a tough spot.

“I've talked to people who were professors, there was people who were in the military," she said. "Anybody and everybody.”

Friends of Night People steps in to help, no questions asked.

“What you're doing actually matters to somebody, even if it's one person,” Krehbiel explained.

With numbers fluctuating around 150-200 people for meals alone, it’s not a one-man job.

Chef Dwight Robinson joined the team last Thanksgiving.

“They always tell me they like my sausage gravy I made, they like the eggs that I made, they like everything that I make,” he said.

For him, it’s a way to give back.

“I just make sure I keep everything going for them," Robinson said. "I don't turn nobody down. They come in, wants some coffee, whatever, I let them come in.”

That means the world to guests like Rickey Savage.

“I don't have a family, or at least they disowned me," Savage said. " This is my family.”

The Army vet comes for meals and clothes. He couldn’t be more grateful.

“They've given me more than I could ever do. Their compassion ... yeah, that's the key word, compassion," Savage explained. "Angels have a lot of compassion."

Friends of Night People has lulls, but the final factor that keeps them going is the community.

“A couple of weeks ago, we had no clothing," Krehbiel said. "Now, we got slammed and we're trying to sort through.”

It's work that isn’t lost on Savage or any of the hundreds that pass through the doors.

“Five-star," Savage said. "Angels pretty much sums it up.”

Friends of Night People is always looking for donations, especially toiletries. They welcome volunteers with open arms as well.

If you’re looking for a quick way to get involved, check out Party for the People at Flying Bison on Sept. 19.