County Sponsors "Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 9, 2001
COUNTY OF ORANGE
CEO
Contact: Diane Thomas 714.834.6203
County Sponsors "Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week"
Santa Ana - For the first time in history, Orange County's estimated 20,000 homeless residents, 40% of which are children, will be the focus of a national effort dedicated to increasing awareness and community involvement.
Dubbed "Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week" by the Board of Supervisors, the events of November 11-17 will kickoff with a hunger walk in San Clemente. Other events include "Project Safety Net," a high school and college program that will show students what it is like to be without money and a home, and the opening of a new homeless shelter. In addition, a display in the Hall of Administration will provide information about homelessness and hunger in the County.
"The number of homeless people in the County is growing," said Karen Roper, County of Orange homeless prevention and related programs coordinator. "The lack of affordable housing and the current downturn in the economy mean that more people are going to be without a home and in need of our assistance."
"Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week" is sponsored by the County of Orange HomeAid America, HomeAid Orange County, Orange County Rescue Mission, Shelter and Hunger Partnership, Info Link, Orange County Community Development Council, Orangewood Children's Foundation, the Volunteer Center of Orange County, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Chapman University, and Magnet Communications.
