As the holidays draw near, Time for Homes, an organization that helps to provide housing for homeless citizens, is looking to raise awareness of the issue in the D.C. area.
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week will last until Nov. 22, and advocates said education, action and awareness about hunger and homelessness are some of the best ways people can help out.
鈥淭he issue isn鈥檛 a matter of personal responsibility, it鈥檚 an issue of societal failure,鈥� President James Ryan said. 鈥淲ith more and more people facing housing insecurity, barely making ends meet and with unemployment benefits running out, people are facing this issue.鈥�
Ryan said there are systemic issues that need to be addressed and that right now is a great time to get involved. He said the holidays are a time to reflect and to give to the homeless community.
Time for Homes uses partner organizations in D.C., Maryland, Virginia and networks across the country to provide much-needed resources, in addition to permanent housing for people who are experiencing food and housing insecurity.
鈥淟ooking at how we interact with homeless people is very important,鈥� Ryan said.
He said most people, including himself, usually ignore panhandlers on the streets.
鈥淭hat has detrimental effects on their mental health and it internalizes when we think about what policies we support.鈥�
The organization is currently looking for volunteers throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Visit on how to help.
