Dallas Mayor Johnson to proclaim Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
DALLAS – On Wednesday November 9, Mayor Eric Johnson will issue a proclamation recognizing November 12 to 20, 2022 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The proclamation will be issued at 8:30 a.m. in the Flag Room at Dallas City Hall. Mayor Johnson will be joined by District 3 Council Member Casey Thomas II, Chair of the Dallas City Council Housing and Homelessness Solutions Committee. Representatives of local organizations that provide services to those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity will also attend.
National Hunger and Homelessness Week started in 1975 at Villanova University. Today, over 700 organizations across the country organize and participate in events designed to educate the public about the plight of individuals experiencing homelessness and without access to fresh, nutritious food.
“It is important to bring the public’s attention to the needs of our city’s most vulnerable residents,” Mayor Johnson said. “Guiding individuals to exit homelessness can be very challenging. I am very proud of the many organizations and employees who serve our neighbors with patience, compassion and understanding. I also want to highlight the great work of Catholic Charities Dallas who, for the past two years, has provided over 12 million meals to households living with food insecurity. They plan to provide 6.75 million meals by the time their fiscal year ends on June 30, 2023. While I am grateful for their work, it saddens me to know the need is increasing.”
According to the 2022 Homeless Point in Time Count conducted by Housing Forward, 4,410 individuals in Dallas and Collin County were experiencing homelessness and 31% of those were unsheltered. Households with children represent 18.6% of the homeless population. With the holidays approaching, the City of Dallas is reminding the public to give responsibly. Download our responsible giving fliers Responsible Giving English or Responsible Giving Spanish and share with your community.
“In addition to the many social service organizations that work tirelessly throughout the year to help those in need, some individuals take it upon themselves to serve our community,” City Manager T.C. Broadnax said. “I strongly encourage residents to contact nonprofit organizations who need volunteers and donations, particularly this time of year. Working in partnership with an experienced group is the best way to help a neighbor in need.”
