Restaurant Owner Hands out Meals, Invites Homeless People to Sleep in Entryway After Spending Night ‘Lost’ on Street

**New York Restaurant Owner Gives Back to the Community After Personal Struggles**

In a heartwarming initiative to support the homeless, Ali Riza Dogan, owner of the Ali Baba Mediterranean Cuisine in Manhattan, has become a beacon of hope for those in need. Dogan’s dedication to helping others emerged from his own experience of homelessness during his early days as an immigrant in the United States.

For over five years, every Wednesday, Ali Riza Dogan has distributed free meals to approximately 100 to 150 people. His charitable actions have been a consistent feature of his weekly routine, as he strives to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Dogan’s humanitarian efforts also extended during the harsh winter of 2023 when he opened the entryway of his restaurant to provide shelter to homeless individuals on particularly cold nights.

Dogan recently shared a poignant video on social media, showcasing one of his weekly food distribution events. In a reflective caption, he remarked, “Tonight, we shared our food once again. A meal is never just food… It’s hope, it’s kindness, it’s touching a heart.” His unwavering commitment stems from a place of deep personal understanding, having faced hardships himself.

Arriving in New York City from Ankara, Turkey, in 1986, Dogan found himself in a foreign land, unfamiliar with the language and culture. His first night in the city was spent wandering the streets in search of home. In a moment of desperation, he sought refuge on the top floor of a building where he could escape the biting cold. “I remember that day I was outside, hungry, I didn’t eat all night, and it was cold,” Dogan recounted on social media. This memory fuels his current mission to assist others who find themselves in similar predicaments.

Dogan’s innate compassion led him to turn the heat on in his restaurant’s entryway this winter, allowing individuals who had no shelter to stay overnight at the restaurant. He posted a message on the door inviting people to come inside, stating, “You can stay inside. Heat is on for overnight.” This simple gesture has not only provided warmth but also a sense of security to those needing refuge.

Continuing to feel the weight of those memories during winter nights, Dogan has also taken steps to give out sleeping bags to those sleeping rough. “Sometimes I cannot sleep at night knowing that people stay outside in the cold,” he shared, alongside a video of him providing a sleeping bag to someone in need. He emphasised the urgency of these actions, explaining that for many, surviving just one freezing night can be a matter of life or death.

Ali Baba Mediterranean Cuisine, which Dogan founded with his father in 1997, was not solely a business venture but also embodies a legacy of kindness. Dogan has always worked to integrate community support into his operations, recalling that the restaurant’s original location was next to a shelter. This proximity has reinforced his commitment to aid those in need.

Dogan communicated his philosophy to fellow restaurant owners and the public, stating, “Whatever it is, someone needs help, I always help.” He is now looking to expand his charitable efforts by planning to launch a foundation aimed at encouraging others to support similar causes within their communities. “Maybe we cannot change the whole world, but if we can help even one person sleep warmer, then we have done something meaningful,” he asserted.

Dogan’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of empathy and the impact one individual can have on a community. His dedication to providing meals, shelter, and essentials for those experiencing homelessness not only enriches their lives but also inspires many to reflect on their own capacity for kindness. As Dogan continues to share hope through his food and actions, he exemplifies the spirit of giving that can truly change lives.