From sleeping on streets to giving shelter to others: NYC restaurant owner builds refuge for the homeless

On a busy stretch of Manhattan, where life moves fast and strangers often pass without noticing each other, one small restaurant has quietly become a place of warmth and dignity. Ali Riza Dogan, a Turkish immigrant who once struggled to find stability after arriving in the city, is now helping others survive the hardships he once faced. What began as a personal journey shaped by uncertainty has grown into a sustained effort to give back. From offering hot meals to creating a sheltered entryway where people can rest during freezing nights, his actions have turned a simple eatery into a lifeline, showing that compassion can exist in everyday spaces without needing scale.At Ali Baba Mediterranean & Turkish Cuisine, the change is subtle but powerful. Dogan transformed the restaurant’s entryway into a small enclosed space where homeless individuals can rest safely during harsh winter nights. What appears to be an ordinary vestibule has quietly become a place of relief for those with nowhere else to go.A heat lamp inside provides warmth against freezing temperatures and biting winds. It is not a formal shelter, but even this modest space can mean the difference between exposure and a few hours of rest.His efforts extend beyond providing a place to sleep. For years, he has been preparing and distributing free meals, often stepping outside to personally hand them to people in need. This is not an occasional gesture tied to attention or seasons. It is a consistent routine that has continued quietly in the background.In an industry driven by margins and turnover, Dogan has created space for something else, a sense of responsibility towards people often overlooked. His restaurant serves customers, but it also serves a deeper purpose.Dogan’s compassion is rooted in personal experience. When he first arrived in New York as an immigrant, he has shared that he struggled financially and at times had nowhere stable to stay. Like many newcomers, he faced uncertainty and the challenge of building a life from scratch in an unfamiliar city.His journey has come full circle, from someone who once needed support to someone who now provides it. His actions are not about recognition, but about ensuring others do not feel as alone as he once did. This lived experience continues to shape his approach, grounding his generosity in empathy rather than charity alone.In a city as vast as New York, such efforts may seem small. Yet for those who benefit, they carry immense value. A warm corner on a cold night, a meal offered without judgement, a simple act of recognition.