Albanian-American Joe Haliti has been named “Citizen of the Year” for 2025 in Houston, Texas, recognizing his incredible generosity and commitment to serving the community.

Haliti, who provides free meals for major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, as well as during natural disasters, reached a major milestone in October 2020—50,000 free meals served during the COVID-19 pandemic. His next goal? 100,000 meals donated!

After receiving the award last Saturday, Haliti expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his dedication to Houston.

“Thank you for the support and love you’ve shown us. We look forward to serving this city for many years to come,” he told the audience.

Haliti emigrated from Albania to the U.S. in the late 1980s, settling in New Jersey before working in his family’s restaurant business. Today, he is making a name for himself not just as a successful businessman, but as a true community hero.