Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is recognized annually right before the holiday season begins.
This year it takes place from November 17 until November 23. For many, this season symbolizes time spent with family, but many people are not as fortunate. We come together every Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week to take some time to think about those who do not have a safe place to call home or know where their next meal will come from. In recognition of this year’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, there will be educational, advocacy, service, and fundraising events happening around the country – including plenty to do right here in Philadelphia!
What you can do
There are multiple ways you can help raise awareness and support people who are affected by hunger and homelessness:
- Attend one, or all, of the Hunger and Homelessness Events in the list below.
- Familiarize yourself with resources and services available in Philadelphia. Save the Homeless Outreach Hotline number to your phone, (215) 232-1984 in case you see someone who needs help.
- Join the conversation on X by retweeting service organizations or tweeting yourself, using #HHWeek, #HHWeekPHL, or #HHAwareness.
- Share this blog on your personal social media platforms.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2024 Events
Share a Meal with Bethesda Project and Vetri Community Partnership – Bethesda Project
Tuesday, November 19, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join Bethesda Project and Vetri Community Partnership to share a meal with the community. All are invited to participate in Vetri’s Teaching Kitchen, where participants will prepare a meal for the group and a meal to deliver to Bethesda Project guests. This event is free and open to the public.
Open Hearts Cafe – Church of the Holy Trinity at Rittenhouse Square
Tuesday, November 19, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Church of the Holy Trinity at Rittenhouse Square established Open Heart Cafe in 2017. Providing the meal space, kitchen, food, and chefs, the church is able to feed and clothe hundreds of people every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and every Sunday from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.. You can sign up for a volunteer shift online.
Panel Discussion and Networking Hour – Office of Homeless Services
Wednesday, November 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join the Office of Homeless Services for a panel discussion and networking event in recognition of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week! The event will bring together service providers and their resources to bring light to the amazing work being done to address food and housing insecurity in Philadelphia. This free in-person event will be held at 4601 Market Street on November 20. Secure your ticket today! Groups interested in tabling can register online.
Sleep Out – Covenant House
Thursday, November 21, Friday, November 22
Covenant House is hosting its annual Sleep Out. The goal of this event is to show solidarity with people who are experiencing homelessness and to raise awareness about youth homelessness. This fundraiser also helps the organization raise critical funds to provide shelter and support to young people overcoming homelessness.
Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness – Pathways to Housing
Thursday, November 21, 6:30 p.m.
The Bethesda Project is collaborating with Pathways to Housing PA, Corporation for Supportive House, Homeless Advocacy Project, National Homelessness Law Center, A Bigger Vision Films, and Together Films to bring the documentary film Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness to Philadelphia. The free screening, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A, will take place at the Philadelphia Film Center, 1412 Chestnut Street, during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week on Thursday, November 21, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be reserved via Eventbrite.
Outreach Bag Assembly – Small Things Philly
Saturday, November 23, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Small Things Philly is a nonprofit organization that distributes food, hygiene, and household goods to its network of local partners. For Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Small Things will be putting together outreach assembly bags for Emmanuel Ministry on Saturday, November 23. You can register to help with this distribution online.
Thanksgiving Distribution and Resource Fair
Saturday, November 23, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (or until supplies last)
Philabundance is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Distribution and Resource Fair on November 23 at the food bank’s Berks Warehouse located at 302 W. Berks Street! They distribute approximately 1000 Thanksgiving turkeys at no cost, in an attempt to make the holidays easier for food insecure families. In addition to food giveaways, there will also be a variety of resources ranging from career development opportunities, financial literacy, affordable housing support, and more. All are welcome at this event and pre-registration is not required.
Meal Distribution – Philly House
Everyday, Lunch Shift: 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., Dinner Shift: 4:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Team up with Philly House’s kitchen staff to serve a nutritious & delicious meal to guests and provide assistance in the after-meal clean-up! Main duties include carrying trays to guests at their seats, eating with guests, clearing their trays when they have finished eating, and supporting other light post-meal cleanup. Training will be provided on-site. Closed-toe shoes, pants (no leggings or shorts), a sleeved shirt, and hair pulled up/out of the face is required. Volunteers can sign up online!
Prepare-A-Plate – Philly House
Running now through Thanksgiving Day
Help Philly House create a Thanksgiving experience where everyone can belong, enjoy a nourishing meal, and feel like family. For any Thanksgiving holiday, whenever you host family or friends, what do you do to prepare your table and to entertain your guests? Philly House is no different, except that their table and plates need to accommodate hundreds of guests for Thanksgiving meals. Take action against food insecurity and homelessness in Philadelphia. Fundraise or donate to provide a hot meal, an atmosphere of belonging, and a refuge, to the homeless, hungry and hurting.