A very important week is coming up this month — Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week will be November 11-19 and there are several events planned in the Greater Lafayette community to bring attention to these issues and resources to the agencies that serve them.

On Saturday, November 11, HPIN (Homelessness Prevention & Intervention Network) will be facilitating a Sleep-A-Night on our Streets at the First Christian Church at the corner of North and 6th Streets. This event is hosted by the PATH Street Outreach Team and will give visitors exposure to what it is like sleeping unsheltered in our community.

There will be two opportunities to hear a Community Report Card from LTHC Homeless Services and Food Finders Food Bank during the week. These are the two largest agencies addressing homelessness and hunger in our area and the Executive Directors of both agencies will be providing information on what each organization is doing and what obstacles each are facing. Community members are encouraged to join the conversation:
Wednesday, November 15 from 3-4 pm at LTHC Homeless Services or
Thursday, November 16 from 9:30-10:30 at Food Finders Food Bank

On Friday, November 17, the Purdue Street Outreach Team will be hosting an open mic night at the Mental Health America building at South and 9th Streets.

In addition to attending some of the above events, community members have an opportunity to help support individuals and families who are actively homeless. LTHC Homeless Services will be accepting donations of socks (adult men’s and women’s, all sizes), underwear (adult men’s and women’s, all sizes), bath towels, blankets, paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, and paper plates, as well as travel-sized hygiene products, razors, and deodorant (men’s).

Donations are accepted at LTHC seven days per week from 10-5 pm at the Homeless Services Program located at the Howarth Center (615 North 18th Street, Ste. 102). On weekdays, donors can use the front entrance and on weekends, please use the rear door. The Guest Services staff can assist you with your donation.