National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week - Nov. 15–21, 2009

For most Americans, it would be hard to imagine not knowing where their next meal might come from, or not having a safe and warm place to tuck their children in at night. But these are very real concerns for many individuals and families in communities across the nation.

This year, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 15–21 — held the week before Thanksgiving to draw attention to the devastating problems of homelessness and hunger in America. Co-sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness, the effort strives to dispel the myths that often label homelessness as someone else's problem or claim that an end to homelessness is impossible.

Who Are the homeless?

While there is no single clear definition of "homeless" many think of the homeless as those living in shelters or on the streets only; but this limited definition excludes those living with relatives or others in overcrowded or substandard housing; those facing imminent eviction from their current housing with nowhere to go; and those living in cars, trailers, or campgrounds. Many people experience the crisis of homelessness in a way that is invisible to the community at large.

Homeless people include individuals and families who are impoverished, war veterans, victims of domestic violence, those with mental illnesses, and those with addiction disorders. Not all homeless people are without jobs either — in fact, 13 percent of the homeless population is employed (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1996). Learn more from the Who Is Homeless fact sheet (National Coalition for the Homeless, July 2009).

A Growing Concern

The number of homeless families with children has increased significantly over the past 10 years. In fact, families with children are among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. In a 2007 survey of 23 American cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that families with children represented 23 percent of the homeless population. Poverty is intrinsically related to homelessness and hunger, and two main factors contribute to increasing poverty: decreasing employment opportunities for a large percentage of the workforce and an economic downturn that has radically affected many social services for this population.

Video: Hunger and Homelessness Week at Gannon University.

Hunger Study 2006

America’s Second Harvest — the Nation's Food Bank Network (A2H) — is the nation’s largest network of emergency food providers. During 2005, they conducted a comprehensive study relating to the populations they serve. Findings were reported in their Hunger Study 2006. Find more information at the Hunger in America website.

During 2005, the A2H system reportedly served an estimated 24 to 27 million unduplicated people annually through pantries, kitchens, and shelters; approximately 4.5 million different people received emergency food assistance from the A2H system in any given week.

Other notable findings include the following:

68 percent have incomes below the official federal poverty level during the previous month
36 percent of members of households served by A2H National Network are children under 18
8 percent of the members of households are children age 0 to 5
42 percent had to choose between paying for food and paying for utilities or heating fuel
35 percent had to choose between paying for food and paying their rent or mortgage
32 percent had to choose between paying for food and paying for medicine or medical care
36 percent of households include at least one employed adult
12 percent of those served are homeless
10 percent of the members of households are elderly

Take Action, Get Involved!

One of the goals of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is to recognize that homelessness is everyone's problem and that an end to homelessness is possible. Addressing the struggles of the homeless and the hungry by organizing and participating in activities during this week may bring greater solidarity and understanding among members of the community and on campuses across the nation. Events such as "One Night without a Home" help people realize firsthand the difficulties that homeless people face every day.

The 2009 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week manual is full of resources and ideas to help you plan activities and events. It includes project ideas, ways to communicate with the media, a "Sample Week" description, a sample proclamation, a registration form, and more. Visit the National Homeless Coalition website now to review the manual and a host of other valuable resources.

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