Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is November 12-20, 2022.

The week before Thanksgiving is intended to draw attention to the issue of hunger and homelessness.

It is intended to draw awareness to this issue, get donations to help address the issue.

Homeless people are just people, deserving of the same care & respect as anyone else.

Studies suggest that among homeless individuals, an estimated 76% qualified for a mental health diagnosis.

The most common diagnostic categories among the homeless were:

• alcohol use disorders (37%)
• drug use disorders, (27%)
• schizophrenia spectrum disorders (12%)
• major depression (13%)

A recent meta-analysis suggested that 27% of homeless adults meet criteria for PTSD.

This suggests that the incidence of trauma exposure is likely higher still.

Since 2017, the number of transgender individuals experiencing homelessness has increased 57% and the number of gender non-conforming individuals experiencing homelessness has increased 80%.

Trans and gender non-conforming individuals are much more likely to be unsheltered and to experience discrimination and harassment if they attempt to seek shelter.

There is much work to be done to ensure that trans & non-binary folks are able to safely access housing & shelter resources.

Please donate to programs that ensure equal access & use your privilege to advocate for equal access in other programs you associate with.

There is much work to be done to end homelessness and hunger in general.

So perhaps instead of focusing on Black Friday deals this year, consider donating your time, energy or resources to a local shelter or food program.

Source: Psychiatric Quarterly, National Alliance to End Homelessness