November 13 through 19 marks National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, co-sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness.
Each year … [d]uring this week, a number of schools, communities and cities take part in a nationwide effort to bring greater awareness to the problems of hunger and homelessness … Participating in National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week not only brings greater awareness to your community, but also helps to promote the national endeavor to end hunger and homelessness. The plight of those without a home can be both lonely and difficult. Addressing their struggles by organizing and participating in this week may bring greater solidarity and understanding, as well as promote future involvement. Events, such as “One Night Without a Home,” help people realize the difficulties that homeless persons daily face.
2005 Awareness Week manuals—containing a variety of suggestions and information—are available on the NCH’s Web site here.
Additional resources of interest:
“How a Regular Guy Gets Homeless,” Les Gapay’s personal account of homelessness.
The Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness, developed by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
“Out of Reach 2004,” a nationwide comparison of wages and rents, sponsored by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The study includes rankings for the least affordable states, metro areas, and counties.
The forthcoming Encyclopedia of Poverty, to be published by Sage in 2006.