Each year National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is held the week before Thanksgiving, in order to outline the prevalent issues of poverty across the nation.
Many organizations spread awareness by partnering with schools, community event engagements and campaigns. Participating within these organizations can help others realize the struggles people face on an everyday basis.
The National Coalition for the Homeless said this is a perfect time to think about the things people take for granted. The organization said this is a time for us to start to think about what we are thankful for, and to share compassion with the homeless.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, over 610,042 people experience homelessness on any given night in the US. The lack of affordable housing is one of the biggest causes of homelessness. In the US, hunger is often caused by inequality and poverty. One in six Americans live on incomes that put them at risk for hunger.
Homefull, a network service in Montgomery County, which focuses on providing housing, advocacy and education to end homelessness, is taking action to spread awareness. They are inviting people to participate in their campaign to inform and educate people on hunger and homelessness.
On Thursday, Nov. 20, Homefull is hosting a sleep-out event and documentary screening of American Winter. Homefull said this is their most powerful event for National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. There will be a question and answer session on poverty, along with an outside sleep-out to experience a brief look at the struggles of street homelessness.
For more information, contact 937-293-1945 or visit homefull.org.