Bringing the Issue of Homelessness Into Focus
IRVINE, Calif., November 1, 2023 (Newswire.com) - HomeAid launches a month-long national campaign to raise awareness about homelessness. HomeAid believes solving and preventing homelessness is possible. However, to find plausible and effective solutions, there needs to be a comprehensive understanding of all the reasons individuals find themselves faced with the reality of homelessness. Throughout November, HomeAid will shine a light on the myths and the realities of homelessness.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, every day in the United States, nearly 600,000 people live on our streets or in shelters, and thousands more families across the country live double- and triple-up with other families because they can't afford a home. The causes of homelessness are many, including job loss, lack of affordable housing, medical crisis, domestic abuse, natural disasters, and mental health disorders.
The reality of homelessness goes beyond the stereotype of the person seen on the street corner as you drive through your communities. Many of your friends, neighbors, and family members may be closer to experiencing or have experienced homelessness than you might realize.
Findings from a national study conducted by researchers at The University of Chicago indicate that 53% of people experiencing sheltered homelessness and over 40% of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness were employed in the year they were observed to be homeless.
"In November, we come together as a community to shine a light on the darkness of homelessness. Homelessness Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness; it's about igniting hope, fostering compassion, and taking action. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place to call home," said HomeAid CEO Scott Larson.
Follow HomeAid to learn more about how and why so many of our neighbors, family, and friends often are dealing with or are at risk of homelessness and how to get involved in helping build a future without homelessness.
HomeAid and its 19 affiliates across the nation will be participating in this awareness campaign throughout November. In addition to the online awareness efforts, various events and activities are happening across the country:
10/16 HAPS Share the Warmth Drive Begins Puget Sound
10/30 HACO Give a Fresh Start Drive Begins Colorado
11/1 Thanksgiving Drive Starts Orange County
11/3 HALO Luncheon Houston
11/3 Paint-a-Thon Phoenix
11/8 Housing Market Outlook Breakfast HomeAid America
11/10 Party with a Purpose hosted by Toll Brothers Orlando
11/10 Share the Warmth Drive Ends Puget Sound
11/11 Building for Change Gala and Auction National Capital Region
11/12 5th Annual STEP UP Walk San Diego
11/17 Blueprints of Hope Luncheon Austin
11/17 HACO Give a Fresh Start Drive Colorado
11/17 Thanksgiving Drive Ends/Drive-Thru Drop Off Orange County
To learn more about HomeAid's mission and Homelessness Awareness Month or how to get involved www.homeaid.org.
About HomeAid
Founded in 1989, HomeAid develops, builds, and preserves a variety of housing, including emergency, interim, transitional, permanent supportive, and affordable housing through its 19 chapters in 13 states. In addition, this includes resource/navigation centers that provide support services to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. HomeAid partners with hundreds of nonprofit organizations nationwide that provide the housing and support services that help residents move toward self-sufficiency, such as education and job-skills training, financial counseling, physical and emotional support, and much more.
HomeAid has completed 1,183 housing and outreach projects with a value of more than $340 million. HomeAid has added over 13,445 beds that have served over 701,668 previously homeless individuals. For more information, visit www.homeaid.org.
Source: HomeAid America
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