Business Cares: November 2024
November 17-23, 2024, is Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week
As of 2024, approximately 14,439 people are experiencing homelessness in Colorado, a significant increase from approximately 10,397 in the previous year. In 2023, it was estimated that over 500,000 Coloradans, including more than 150,000 children, faced food insecurity.
Addressing homelessness and food poverty in our communities requires a multifaceted approach, including expanding access to affordable housing, increasing support for food assistance programs, and improving economic opportunities for low-income households.
What can you do about Hunger and Homelessness as an individual or business?
People and businesses can support Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week in Colorado through various meaningful actions that help raise awareness, mobilize resources, and provide direct support to those in need. Here are some ways to get involved:
1. Organize or Participate in Awareness Events. Individuals and businesses can host or sponsor community events, such as educational workshops, panel discussions, food drives, and documentary screenings, that address the issues of hunger and homelessness.
2. Volunteer with Local Organizations. Volunteering time at shelters, food banks, or community kitchens can have a direct impact. Many local nonprofits organize special volunteer opportunities during this week to accommodate the increased interest.
Businesses can encourage their employees to participate through volunteer programs or even organize group volunteer days, strengthening team spirit while contributing to the community.
3. Donate Money or Goods. Monetary donations to local shelters, food banks, and other nonprofits that address homelessness and food insecurity are always valuable. These organizations often face increased demand during the winter months and use donations to support their programs.
In-kind donations, such as warm clothing, blankets, hygiene kits, and non-perishable food items, are also crucial. Businesses can set up donation bins at their locations to collect these items from employees and customers.
4. Raise Awareness on Social Media. Individuals and businesses can use their social media platforms to amplify messages about Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, share stories of those impacted, and highlight local resources and events. Encouraging followers to get involved or to contribute to fundraising campaigns can help broaden the reach of these efforts and generate more support.
5. Advocate for Policy Changes. Supporting local and state policies that aim to increase access to affordable housing, healthcare, and food security is another impactful way to make a difference. Businesses can use their influence to advocate for systemic changes by collaborating with local governments and nonprofits to develop solutions.
By taking these actions, people and businesses can play a pivotal role in supporting Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and working towards long-term solutions.To learn more about nonprofit organizations that support those facing hunger and homelessness in Northern Colorado and the Boulder Valley, please visit BizWest’s Giving Guide at https://databank.bizwest.com/giving-guide.
These local businesses graciously show support for this month’s cause:
November 17-23, 2024, is Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week
As of 2024, approximately 14,439 people are experiencing homelessness in Colorado, a significant increase from approximately 10,397 in the previous year. In 2023, it was estimated that over 500,000 Coloradans, including more than 150,000 children, faced food insecurity.
Addressing homelessness and food poverty in our communities requires a multifaceted approach, including expanding access to affordable housing, increasing support for food assistance programs, and improving economic opportunities for low-income households.
What can you do about Hunger and Homelessness as an individual…