How to Help During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (and All Year!)

November is a time when food is the focus of so many family and social gatherings, making it the perfect time to reflect on what we have in food abundance, helping us better empathize with those who face food insecurity.

Many in the U.S. celebrate Thanksgiving (some have renamed it Gratitude Day), and feasts will be had. Families and friends will come together to cook, eat, bicker, laugh, and leave the day (or days) filled with memories, love, and food. Many will go home and stock their refrigerators with leftovers (which may or may not be eaten later). 

At some point, you might be asked to think about others less fortunate than you. This may come directly or indirectly, but it’s a hard fact to miss – and it can feel overwhelming. 

Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is Nov. 13-21.
Learn more at hhweek.org.

Address Food Insecurity in Your Community

So what can you do to make an impact in your community?

Here’s the thing about volunteering – it’s best when you can see the results of your efforts. So this month, perhaps organize something in your community. Don’t know where to start? Here are some suggestions of things you can collect with your family and friends to give to unhoused or food insecure individuals or organizations:

• Food bags with three-four days of meals and snacks. Use reusable bags and make sure any canned goods you purchase have pop-tops. 
• Donate food to your local food bank. You can check with them to find out what is needed, but commonly requested items include canned fruit, cooking oil, hearty soups, canned chicken and tuna, peanut butter and jelly/jam, honey, pasta and sauce, rice, protein/snack bars, etc. 
• Eating utensils and travel-sized can openers. 
• Tissue packets
• Paper napkins and wet wipes 
• Healthy snacks for kids
• Dog food and waste pick-up bags

Also, consider purchasing and distributing gift cards to grocery stores, local chains, Visa, etc. Check with your local organization or shelter to learn what’s needed most. 

Donating Non-Food Items

Non-cash or non-food items are always in need, including:

• Travel-sized hygiene bags that include toiletries and sanitary items: 

• Toothbrushes (with covers to stay clean) and toothpaste
• Shower gel and soap (neutral scents)
• Shampoo and conditioner 
• Hand sanitizer and lotion
• Feminine hygiene products 
• Camping gear, especially items (tents, etc.) which can be broken down or moved easily. 
• Public transit (bus, train) passes

Additionally, consider running a sock drive. Unhoused people walk a lot and face the elements daily. Clean, warm, dry socks can be a true gift. 

Donate Goods, Lend an Ear

One of the best things you can do is talk to people. The more you learn about unhoused people in your community, the more you can attend to their needs. 

Happy Gratitude Month. Take care of yourselves so that you can take care of others.