Spring Break
Column: Clearinghouse for Volunteers
Hunger and Homelessness Week
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
11/20/08 - Every night in the United States, about 750,000 people experience homelessness, according to Crossroads Rhode Island.
This week marks an important week, especially as the economy spirals downward. It is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
According to Students against Homelessness and Hunger, the poverty rate increased to 35.9 million Americans last year, which is 12.5 percent of the population. Also, 36 million people were at risk of suffering from hunger in the United States, including 1 in 3 children. Concerning homelessness, 3.5 million people were forced to sleep in parks, under bridges, in shelters or cars.
Just in Rhode Island, 6,773 individuals, including 1,558 children, entered a shelter during 2006-2007 according to Crossroads RI. In that same year, the Rhode Island shelters had reached their second highest capacity ever. As of last year, there are three communities left in Rhode Island where "the average two-bedroom apartment remains affordable to someone making less then $20 per hour."
Families that earn below $35,000 in Rhode Island cannot afford the median-priced apartment in any city or town. This percentage makes up 41 percent of the state population. Rhode Island is one of the top 10 states with the highest rates of homelessness.
The high homeless rates aren't the only thing to worry about; hunger in this country has been on the rise as well.
Studies have shown that most families and individuals will sacrifice food first to be able to pay for rent. Bread for the World reported that "35 percent of Americans had to choose between food and rent in 2004." One in 10 households in the nation is living with hunger or at the risk of hunger.
The Rhode Island Food Bank stated; "A recent USDA report on food insecurity shows that hunger in Rhode Island has grown from affecting one out of 10 households in 1998 to affecting one out of eight households today."
One out of three people served at the Food Bank is a child. Due to the economic crisis, food banks and pantries have had a limited amount of food to provide to these families. Fifty-six percent of the families served make $16,600 or less a year for a family of three.
Keeping this in mind, it's important to keep those experiencing homelessness, hunger or any other hardship in your hearts. The University of Rhode Island's clubs and organizations should attempt to raise money, collect food and clothing as well as personal hygiene donations, for food banks and homeless shelters around the state.
Take this time and value what you have, and if possible, help those in need, especially during the holidays. Even if it's a can of food, a few hours in a soup kitchen or donating an extra toothbrush, any little bit helps.
If you are interested in volunteering with a focus in hunger or homeless issues, please don't hesitate to contact the Clearinghouse for Volunteers in Roosevelt Hall, room 125, or at cfv@etal.uri.edu
This week marks an important week, especially as the economy spirals downward. It is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
According to Students against Homelessness and Hunger, the poverty rate increased to 35.9 million Americans last year, which is 12.5 percent of the population. Also, 36 million people were at risk of suffering from hunger in the United States, including 1 in 3 children. Concerning homelessness, 3.5 million people were forced to sleep in parks, under bridges, in shelters or cars.
Just in Rhode Island, 6,773 individuals, including 1,558 children, entered a shelter during 2006-2007 according to Crossroads RI. In that same year, the Rhode Island shelters had reached their second highest capacity ever. As of last year, there are three communities left in Rhode Island where "the average two-bedroom apartment remains affordable to someone making less then $20 per hour."
Families that earn below $35,000 in Rhode Island cannot afford the median-priced apartment in any city or town. This percentage makes up 41 percent of the state population. Rhode Island is one of the top 10 states with the highest rates of homelessness.
The high homeless rates aren't the only thing to worry about; hunger in this country has been on the rise as well.
Studies have shown that most families and individuals will sacrifice food first to be able to pay for rent. Bread for the World reported that "35 percent of Americans had to choose between food and rent in 2004." One in 10 households in the nation is living with hunger or at the risk of hunger.
The Rhode Island Food Bank stated; "A recent USDA report on food insecurity shows that hunger in Rhode Island has grown from affecting one out of 10 households in 1998 to affecting one out of eight households today."
One out of three people served at the Food Bank is a child. Due to the economic crisis, food banks and pantries have had a limited amount of food to provide to these families. Fifty-six percent of the families served make $16,600 or less a year for a family of three.
Keeping this in mind, it's important to keep those experiencing homelessness, hunger or any other hardship in your hearts. The University of Rhode Island's clubs and organizations should attempt to raise money, collect food and clothing as well as personal hygiene donations, for food banks and homeless shelters around the state.
Take this time and value what you have, and if possible, help those in need, especially during the holidays. Even if it's a can of food, a few hours in a soup kitchen or donating an extra toothbrush, any little bit helps.
If you are interested in volunteering with a focus in hunger or homeless issues, please don't hesitate to contact the Clearinghouse for Volunteers in Roosevelt Hall, room 125, or at cfv@etal.uri.edu
