Upcoming Events Focused on Kalamazoo's Homeless Residents

Two upcoming events will provide support services and create awareness around the population of residents who are homeless in Kalamazoo.

Day of Dignity with the Homeless: A One Day Community Fair (3rd annual)

September 12, 2009 from 11:00am - 3:00pm
Martin Luther King Park (N. Rose St. by the Transit Center)

Hosted by the Islamic Relief, Kalamazoo Lend a Hand, Bilal Islamic Center, Kalamazoo Islamic Center, Muslim Student Association & Others. Organizations will be giving away free products including: hygiene packs, new clothing, hot meals, children's toys, school supplies and job information.

Donations are needed to purchase clothing, food & children's items. Make checks payable to Kalamazoo Lend a Hand, 501(c)3 non-profit, or donate online at www.kalamazoolendahand.org. Also accepting item donations such as school supplies, children's toys and backpacks.

For More Info:
269-547-8178
rso.msa@gmail.com
www.kalamazoolendahand.org

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

An update from Michelle Schneider at LISC:

The week of November 15-21, 2009 is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. This is a time where we look to bring awareness to the issues of hunger and homelessness in our community. It is a time to highlight the work that is being done throughout the year to combat these issues and to bring to the attention of the community that despite our efforts, there isn’t enough being done.

During this week, shelters will hold tours of their facilities, there will be a Poverty Simulation, volunteer activities, neighborhood meetings, speakers at Rotary Clubs, Food Pantry Collection Days, Habitat builds, a showing of “Where God Left His Shoes”, and a donation day where donations can be dropped off at numerous local shelters.

We know that many of your organizations do good work throughout the year to end homelessness and hunger in our community. If you will be hosting an activity such as a food pantry collection day, a film viewing/discussion, group volunteer day, or similar activity during the month of November, we would urge you to consider holding it during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

Please let us know about your events! We will be marketing all of the events together through press releases, flyers, and posters to generate as much momentum around your events as possible. On behalf of those that are hungry and homeless, we must speak up and make this issue known.

Contact Michelle Schneider at mschneider@lisc.org or 269-343-5472 x 6 to have your event listed as part of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

Poverty Reduction Initiative
www.haltpoverty.org