Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
November 17th marks the beginning of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. A week before we reflect on everything we’re grateful for, let’s recognize those who go without.
This is a growing crisis nationally and locally. This year, 104 people were counted as unsheltered between Eau Claire and Jackson Counties, more than double the number the previous year, and the same survey saw a significant increase in the number of unsheltered children. (1)
These surveys are valuable but don’t show the whole picture. Homelessness is often underreported, for one. Some folks give incomplete information and are unable to be counted. Some aren’t mobile and therefore not as visible. Some don’t want to be found.
Secondly, each one of those 104 people has a name. Each one has their own unique preferences, quirks, and strengths. Each one probably has one hell of a fascinating story. It’s difficult to even begin to understand the impact of being unhoused on one person, let alone over 100 individual humans.
We need to do better. So what do we do?
Visit the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week website, https://hhweek.org/, for how to organize, social media posts, and more ways to get involved. Learn more about programs and resources at SAHMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources.
You can look into helping our neighbors at The Community Table, who fight to end hunger locally by serving a free community meal 365 days a year. Go to https://thecommunitytable.org/ to find out how to donate or volunteer.
You can also support one of our local shelters. Visit the websites below for a number of ways to help our unhoused neighbors.
https://sojournerri.org/other-ways-to-give/
https://www.familypromisecv.org/donate
https://www.boltonrefuge.org/donate
Consider exploring these opportunities to make a meaningful difference in our community, and I hope this holiday season brings you time to practice compassion as well as gratitude.
1 Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council. "July 2024 Point-in-Time Homeless Count." Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, 28 Aug. 2024, www.westerndairyland.org/count/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.
