National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week – November 18-26, 2024

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is celebrated each year, one week before Thanksgiving. It takes place from November 18 to 26 this year. It creates awareness about the big problem the less fortunate face in society. With the upcoming holiday season and harsh winters, it can be a particularly difficult time for many, especially those who are struggling with hunger and shelter. Throughout the week, donations are made and volunteers sign up for programs that aim to feed and rehabilitate those in need. Doing your bit for the needy is a great way to spread festive cheer.

History of National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is organized every year by the National Coalition for the Homeless. This is a chance for Americans to contribute to a social cause and help others. National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week aims to eradicate homelessness by tackling the root cause of the concern. Throughout the week, awareness programs are organized, rallies are held, and funds are contributed. This helps millions of Americans who find themselves on the streets. However, this is not the extent of the National Coalition for the Homeless’ efforts — they also aim to hold lawmakers and councilmen accountable for the issue of homelessness.

Many homeless people are wrongfully thought of as criminals or miscreants. Along with being discriminated against by law and city planning, the homeless population is also treated unfairly and unkindly by other residents. National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week also hopes to educate people about the reasons why people find themselves without shelter. This shows what they can do to help them without harboring false opinions about those in need.

The struggle to fulfill basic needs can be difficult for many Americans who live paycheck-to-paycheck. An illness, injury, or job loss can easily lead to poverty, hunger, and homelessness. Data shows that about 43 million Americans live below the poverty level and one in five children is afflicted by poverty. Approximately half a million Americans are without a home. Organizations help out by providing food, a place to sleep, medicines, and more. Celebrate the week by supporting local organizations that help people find jobs, permanent homes, and medical facilities.

National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week timeline

1870s

A National Issue

Homelessness becomes a national issue in the U.S.

1930s

The Great Depression

This era forces many Americans to take to the streets.

2009

Data on Children

It is found that one in five children are homeless.

2020

Rise in Homelessness

Poverty greatly increases due to the loss of jobs and global retrenchments.

National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week FAQs

What is the relationship between homelessness and crime?

The A.I.C.’s (Australian Institute of Criminology) findings suggest that a disproportionate number of homeless people have a criminal history. Their crimes are normally less-serious in nature. Living in public spaces, the homeless are more susceptible to committing public order offenses like trespassing and public urination.

Which crimes are most commonly incurred by homeless people?

Homeless status offenses were the most frequently reported charges. This is the only type of crime for which charges were incurred more frequently in the homeless community. Behaviors included are sleeping, resting, actively or passively requesting donations, jaywalking, and even existing in public. This is known as “loitering”.

What causes hunger in the U.S.?

Hunger in the United States is caused by complex factors. There is not a single cause attributed to hunger. There is much debate over who or what is responsible for hunger in the United States. Researchers focus on hunger and poverty.

How to Observe National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week

Spread the word
Raise awareness about National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week among your peers. Share resources, fundraisers, and donation links.
Volunteer
Volunteer with organizations that help the homeless look for jobs, shelter, and medical care. This is a great way to give back to your community.
Organize resources
You can also help out by organizing resources. Raise funds among family and friends for a charity. List the various organizations that help with medical needs, jobs, and more.

5 Interesting Facts About Homelessness

Many are homeless
On any given night, there are over 600,000 homeless people in the U.S.
Many veterans are homeless
Over 60,000 veterans are homeless.
Domestic violence often causes homelessness
The leading cause of homelessness in women is domestic violence.
Homelessness is a crime
Cities in the U.S. are increasingly making homelessness a crime, which blocks the homeless from participating in normal activities.
One-quarter of the homeless are children
On any given night, there are over 140,000 homeless children in the U.S.

Why National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week is Important

A way to help out
With the holiday season upon us, it can be especially difficult for those struggling with basic needs. National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is a great way to help out and spread festive cheer.
It aims to eradicate homelessness
The ultimate goal of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and the National Coalition for the Homeless is to completely eradicate homelessness in the U.S. There are so many good citizens whose circumstances led to homelessness.
It forces lawmakers to take notice
The celebrations of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week also help remind lawmakers and politicians to make policies that will eradicate homelessness.