NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week focuses on giving and caring the week before Thanksgiving. The observance serves as a reminder that hunger and homelessness don’t stop for the holidays. They continue all year long.
As many gather with families, we take time to consider what they are thankful for. At the same time, many of us turn our thoughts to those in need.
Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck. The struggle to keep the basic needs fulfilled is a daily obstacle. It takes only one misstep – an illness, injury or temporary job loss – to place many of us on the path to poverty, hunger, even homelessness. In the United States, 43.1 million Americans live below the poverty level. Of those, 1 in 5 are children living in poverty. Just over a half-million have nowhere to sleep at night.
All year long, food pantries, shelters, and other service organizations need support. They provide food, secure places to sleep, and other aid to those who need it most. These organizations require financial and service donations. Whether they are providing meals, clean towels, socks, or a place to rest, they’re vital to communities. Their services connect people to resources they may otherwise go without.
Supporting local organizations helps people find jobs, permanent homes, and treatment when needed.
HOW TO OBSERVE #HungerHomelessAwarenessWeek
Volunteer. Donate. Organize. All or any of these actions can help make a difference in a life. Spread the word about hunger and homelessness and how to help. Find out who and what your local organizations are. Use #HungerHomelessAwarenessWeek to share on social media.
