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Friday, December 24th, 2010

Hunger and Homelessness Stalk U.S. Cities

Author:     JOSEPH PICARD
Source:    
Publication Date:     December 22, 2010 12:05 PM EST
 Link: Hunger and Homelessness Stalk U.S. Cities
Stephan:   I ask each of you to provide at least one meal for Christmas, whether it is asking someone left behind to dinner, or a donation to an organization. If you really want to step up, pay for or invite a family. I had lunch today with Lynn Willeford, an extraordinary woman here on the island who has begun not one but a series of programs that have changed the lives of individuals and families in profound and wonderful ways. She remarked that it was hard for many people who had formerly been comfortable to ask for help, even though they were in great need. The shame and discomfort in their own eyes was too much. She said, I ask them, 'Have you helped somebody in the past?... Well then you're pre-paid.'

With the Great Recession continuing to take a toll on America’s middle class, it should come as no surprise that homelessness and hunger remain tough problems for America’s cities, as the annual report by the U.S. Conference of Mayors points out.

In the 2010 Hunger and Homelessness Survey, 27 large and medium sized cities throughout the nation were studied and the report found that homelessness increased by 2 percent across surveyed cities and family homelessness increased by 9 percent.

According to the mayors’ conference, every city surveyed reported that requests for emergency food assistance increased by an average of 24 percent over the past year. Among those requesting emergency food service, 56 percent were families and 30 percent were employed. When asked to report on the three main causes of hunger, respondents cited unemployment, housing costs and low wages.

‘While there is currently an historic effort to restore America’s economy, the effects of hunger and homelessness are clearly evident in America’s cities and urban centers. This is why mayors have been so proactive in supporting and encouraging local food programs and why federal programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — food stamps– are so critical,’ said Asheville, NC Mayor Terry Bellamy, chair […]

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