Every year, we recognize National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week right before Thanksgiving. The timing is purposeful: As we reflect on what we are grateful for, we also inevitably think about those who are less fortunate. Here in Philadelphia, about one in five of your neighbors goes to bed hungry or faces food insecurity.
And while Philadelphia has the lowest rate of street homelessness of any major city in America, we nonetheless still have about 1,000 people on the street. Many, if not most, of them live with serious disabilities, including mental illness.
We have made progress, adding about 400 permanent supportive housing units over the past several years. These units provide a home as well as wraparound services for our most vulnerable.
But the tragic fact is that, while we know what works and could effectively end chronic street homelessness in Philadelphia, our resources are limited. That is why awareness weeks, advocacy days, and calls-to-action are so important to our work.
What you can do
There are three ways you can raise awareness and support those affected by hunger and homelessness right now.
- Attend one, or all, of the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week events listed below and familiarize yourself with the resources and services available in Philadelphia.
- Join the conversation on Twitter by retweeting others or service organizations or even by tweeting yourself using #HHWEEK.
- Share this blog on your own Twitter and Facebook profiles.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2019 Events
Look Me In the Eye: Portraits of Homelessness
Muse Gallery
Saturday, November 16- Sunday, December 1 | 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Muse Gallery
52 North 2nd Street
“Look Me In the Eye: Portraits of Homelessness” is an exhibition of large art quilts, hand embroidered batiks, and large hand embroidered drawings by Carolyn Harper that use personal stories of Philadelphians who are experiencing homelessness to empower and uplift the community through portraiture and social critique. Visit the gallery website for more details.
2019 Empty Bowl Dinner
Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network
Wednesday, November 20 | 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
United Lutheran Seminary, Brossman Center, Benbow Hall
7301 Germantown Avenue
You can volunteer or attend! Help support PIHN’s signature event and raise awareness about family hunger and homelessness. Now in its 21st year, the Empty Bowl Dinner supports long-term transitional and post-shelter supportive services, affordable housing opportunities, and educational opportunities for youth. Come enjoy family-friendly activities, live entertainment, a delicious meal, and a bowl to take home! Buy tickets to the event here or sign up to volunteer here.
Community Action Poverty Simulation
Bethesda Project and Keystone First
Thursday, November 21 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Trinity Memorial Church
2212 Spruce Street
Walk a mile in the shoes of those experiencing poverty by participating in the Community Action Poverty Simulation. Additionally, exercise participants will have the opportunity to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month and bring attention to the realities faced by people living below the poverty line. Register by Thursday, November 14.
Authentic Youth Inclusion in Policy & Practice: Homelessness in Philadelphia
Young Adult Leadership Committee
Friday, November 22 | 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Hive @ Spring Point
The Graham Building
30 South 15th Street, 4th Floor
Join the Young Adult Leadership Committee, local advocates, and homeless service professionals to discuss youth-inclusive strategies and practices to help prevent, service, and respond to homeless youth. Reserve your seat.
Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive
First Philadelphia Preparatory School
Items accepted until Sunday, November 22
First Philadelphia Preparatory School
4300 Tacony Street
Bring in your canned goods as a donation to the school’s Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive, supporting partner organization and OHS provider Project HOME. First Philadelphia Preparatory School is accepting donations until November 22.
Serve Breakfast to Those in Need
Shine Program
Sunday, November 24 | 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Old Pine Community Center
401 Lombard Street
Spend the morning serving your neighbors in need by volunteering and distributing hot breakfast meals to 100 people experiencing homelessness and hunger. Organized by the Shine Program, the network also gives people access to showers, toiletries, and take home meals. Sign up to volunteer.
Local information and resources about hunger and food insecurity
SNAP Community Education | Learn about SNAP benefits and your eligibility.
Share Food Program and Philabundance | Donate food to Philadelphia food banks.
Free Meals Flyer | A full list of free meal services accessible to the public compiled by the Office of Homeless Services.
Hunger in Philadelphia Dashboard | Find statistics and data about hunger and homelessness from the Office of Homeless Services.
