EATON — As the holiday season approaches, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week gives everyone an opportunity to reflect upon what they are thankful for. Last week, county officials passed a resolution recognizing many people are in need of food, clothing, and a safe place to live, right here in their own community.
Home Is The Foundation supported this cause by graciously accepting a formal proclamation presented by the Preble County Commissioners, designating Nov. 11-18, 2018 “Hunger and Homelessness Week in Preble County.”
Home Is The Foundation works hard with the community and other local agencies to ensure that everyone in Preble County has a decent place to live, striving to end Homelessness by providing Homeless Services and operating the only Emergency Homeless Shelter in Preble County. National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week allows the community to see the need for shelter, Homeless Services, and food banks in this community.
The HIT Foundation Homeless Shelter has been full most nights since opening in October of 2015 and usually operates off of a wait list. Last winter, the Cold Shelter served over 30 different people. Beyond homelessness, most of Preble County is considered a food desert, and in 2014 there were over 5,000 food insecure people in Preble County; only 56 percent of them had income low enough to qualify for food stamps.
Home Is The Foundation is partnering with area churches and all school districts in Preble County to educate students and the community about hunger and homelessness. The students will be participating in writing contests, coloring contests, and watching documentaries on homelessness to learn more. Some schools have even designed a food and clothing drive to give back. Local churches will be collecting change for Homeless Services during Homeless Sunday and educating their congregations on Hunger and Homelessness facts.
The public is invited to participate in efforts to aid those in need and raise awareness during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week by participating in two upcoming events: the HIT Foundation Fundraising Gala on Nov. 13 and One Night Without a Home on Nov. 15.
The Gala promises to be a delightful evening with cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres by the Bistro’s own Chef Tom. Our honored guest speakers include internationally known and Ohio’s own, Tony Hall, along with our eastern neighbor, Montgomery County Commissioner, Dan Foley. All proceeds from this event will go to the HIT Foundation Homeless Services Program.
The third annual One Night Without a Home event will be held, once again, on the Preble County Courthouse courtyard. This impactful event brings awareness to homelessness in Preble County with a ceremonial candle lit service, movie screenings and the sleep out! Area churches are very generously providing dinner, breakfast and various snacks throughout the night.
Contact the HIT Foundation to RSVP at 937-472-0500 or [email protected]. It is great to see the community come together and support this issue, because alone we can do so little, and together we can do so much.
