National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: Caring for Others
Every mid-November, the week before Thanksgiving, the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, known as NHHAW, aims to draw attention to these pressing issues in the United States. From dispelling myths to raising funds, this annual program gives voice to those who need it. Read on to learn more about how you can get involved.
Featured in: November - Awareness Months, Days & Observances.
Why National Hunger and Homelessness Day Matters
Homelessness is a prevalent issue affecting families, veterans, and many others. They primarily face difficulties accessing food and cooking facilities. Aside from the physical aspect, these challenges can also lead to mental health complications and adverse effects on children's education.
Addressing hunger and homelessness through this awareness day can benefit society by reducing healthcare costs, upholding civil rights, improving safety in public spaces, enhancing children's educational outcomes, and boosting the economy.
How to Help the Hungry and the Homeless
In any way, you can spend the week holding various activities to lend a hand to the voiceless and end homelessness. Here are some ideas you can try:
- Donate canned goods and other essentials to a food bank or directly to your chosen homeless community.
- Volunteer at soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Or provide hot meals or a safe place to sleep for those in need.
- To solve the many root causes of hunger and homelessness, advocate for affordable housing, higher minimum wage, protection against domestic violence, and better access to mental health services. Educate yourself and other people on these matters.
- Raise funds through charity runs or online donation drives.
- If you own a business, you can hire homeless people. Or promote local organizations that can help with job placement and training.
Data and Statistics
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, in 2022, approximately 582,500 people were homeless in the U.S., 60% of whom resided in temporary shelters or housing programs and 40% in uninhabitable conditions such as the streets or abandoned buildings.
Their report also states family homelessness represented 28% of total homeless cases with
children. Moreover, over 30,000 unaccompanied youths under the age of 25 experienced homelessness on a single night.
As for individual cases, 30% experience chronic homelessness, characterized by persistent and recurring bouts of homelessness1, while 7% of the adults are veterans.
According to Feeding America, approximately 44 million Americans, including 13 million children, do not regularly have access to affordable, nutritious food. In 2020, they reported that at least one in five Americans turn to food banks, pantries, and community programs to help feed themselves and their families.
The U.S. witnessed a rise of people below the poverty level, affecting approximately 41.4 million people. Another leading cause of homelessness is severe housing cost burdens, which troubled 7.1 million households, with more than half their income being allocated to housing costs.
Read more: Homelessness Facts and Statistics.
Brief Timeline of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
Students at Villanova University conceptualize an entire week to raise awareness about hunger and homelessness.
The National Coalition for the Homeless adopts the concept, and the first National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week was born.
The U.S. Congress officially recognizes the awareness week in November.
Community groups and local anti-poverty agencies nationwide host events, launch initiatives, and advocate for those hungry and homeless.
The National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness become official co-sponsors of the awareness week.
Over 700 communities, colleges, and high schools across the U.S. celebrate the occasion through service, fundraising, and advocacy events.
The awareness week makes waves beyond the U.S. and worldwide.
The event shifts focus on the intersection of racial justice and homelessness
Conclusion
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week allows us to acknowledge the reality of these interconnected challenges and take action to address them. Everyone can make a difference. Volunteering at a local shelter, donating to a food bank, or advocating for progressive policies can leave lasting benefits.
During this week and beyond, let us inspire people to build a world where everyone can access life's necessities.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
This week-long campaign raises awareness about issues of hunger and homelessness in the United States.
This annual week of programs is observed during the week before Thanksgiving.
These correlated issues affect millions of people and require collective action to solve.
You can volunteer at local shelters, donate to food banks, and raise awareness on social media.
Increased awareness can lead to policy changes, more funding for support programs, and, ultimately, a reduction in hunger and homelessness in our communities.
| 1 | de Sousa, T., Andrichik, A., Cuellar, M., Marson, J., Prestera, Ed., & Rush, K. (2022). The 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development |
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
