National Hunger and Homeless Awareness

“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked, and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.” – Mother Teresa

Journal: Write a short passage to your loved ones letting them know that if they ever needed anything, they could call on you. Whether it is 8 minutes of your time to vent or not feel lonely, or a place to stay, you will always be there for them.

What started as a one-week initiative at Villanova University in 1975, has turned into a nationwide coalition. Hunger and Homeless Awareness week is observed the week before Thanksgiving with several organizations and volunteers coming together to ensure Americans have a warm, safe place to sleep and a nutritious meal. Even if we cannot offer time or money to help those in need, simply sharing the need for donations or the availability of resources through a post on social media or even a small mention during casual conversation can go a long way. Not having food or shelter does not always look like holding a sign at an intersection.

• In 2024, 771,480 people or 23 out of every 10,000 US residents experienced homelessness.1

• In January 2015, 16,265 individuals were homeless on a single night. That number rose to 21,648 individuals in a single night by January 2024.1

• In January 2015, 4,529 children under the age of 18 were homeless on a single night. That number decreased to 4,156 in a single night by January 2024.1

• About 19% U.S. chil­dren (13.4 mil­lion kids) lacked reli­able access to ade­quate food in 2022.4

Food resources

Dial 211 or call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) for information about food assistance.

In addition, you can learn about government assistance programs by visiting the USDA website. Contacting local community centers and religious institutions is also a great option.2

Government Food Assistance Programs

1) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

2) Emergency Food Stamp Program

3) The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Food Assistance Programs From Nonprofit Organizations And Charities, Including

1) Salvation Army

2) Non-profit Community Action Agencies

3) Feeding America 3

4. https://www.foodpantries.org/

Shelter resources

1. https://nationalhomeless.org/regions-resources/

2. https://justshelter.org/national-resources/

3. Domestic violence assistance: https://www.thehotline.org/

Sources:

1. https://endhomelessness.org/resources/toolkits-and-training-materials/2025-homelessness-data-dashbo…

2. https://www.uslowcosthousing.com/posts/free-food-for-all-your-guide-to-free-food-assistance-program…

3. https://www.uslowcosthousing.com/posts/free-food-for-all-your-guide-to-free-food-assistance-program…

4. https://www.aecf.org/blog/child-food-insecurity?msclkid=3c3a957e8dc71d259669fc7077ea5620&utm_so…