Hunger and Homelessness Take Center Stage In Annual Awareness Week

November 16- 22, 2014 ~

COLUMBIA, SC – National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 16- 22. The week aims to raise greater awareness to the problems of hunger and homelessness. Throughout the week there are numerous events that engage the public with the realities of hunger and homelessness, as well as discussions aimed at enhancing the conversation and public knowledge of hunger and homelessness’ impact on the Midlands.

Here is a schedule of the week’s events:

 

Sunday, November 16

 

• Richland School District 1 Homelessness Poster Competition Display
  • Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street
  • On display all week
  • The Parents and Students Succeed (PASS) Program, Richland One’s homeless initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Visual and Performing Arts is sponsoring a district-wide student poster art contest. This year’s theme is “Home At Last!”

 

Monday, November 17

 

• H.O.P.E (Help Our People Eat) Tour and Open House
  • Harvest Hope Food Bank
  • 2220 Shop Road, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • An interactive tour will discuss food insecurity and what Harvest Hope Food Bank is doing to fight hunger.

 

•  American Winter Movie Screening with Panel Discussion
  • Columbia Art Museum, 1515 Main Street, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • In partner with Sisters of Charity and the Columbia Community Relations Council, the United Way of the Midlands will be hosting a screening of the HBO documentary American Winter. The documentary follows the personal stories of 8 struggling families coming to face against the decline in America’s middle class. The panel discussion will examine the issues surrounding access to resources and affordable housing in the Midlands.
  • The screening is free.

 

Tuesday, November 18

 

• Reconstructing Home 3: A Client Produced Art Show to Benefit Transitions
  • Tapp’s Arts Center; 1644 Main Street, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • The show features artwork from clients of Transitions, illuminating the hidden talent that emerges from those who are homeless and working on a permanent housing solution.
  • Please visit http://transitionssc.org/ for online registration.
  • Attendees can also buy a ticket at the door.
  • Tickets cost $40.00.

• 2014 Heyward E. McDonald Lecture on Peace and Justice
  • University of South Carolina Law School
  • 1702 Greene Street, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • Maria Foscarinis will deliver the 2014 Heyward E. McDonald Lecture on Peace and Justice. Maria Foscarinis is the Founder and Executive Director of the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty. This Presbyterian Student Association’s McDonald Lecture will highlight USC’s Hunger and Homelessness week.

• 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Roundtable Discussion for Faculty, Staff, and Students: USC Law School Room 138
• 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Dinner: USC Law School Lobby
  Dinner is $15 for faculty, staff and community members and free for students. Reservations are required for all. Reservations can be made via email: [email protected]. Payment for dinner may be made by check to Shandon Presbyterian Church and mailed to the Presbyterian Student Association, 1702 Greene Street, Columbia SC 29201.)
• 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Lecture: USC Law School Auditorium
  Ms. Maria Foscarinis will deliver the 2014 Heyward E. McDonald Lecture: “Homelessness: A Human Rights Issue”

 

Wednesday, November 19

 

•  Silent Voices: An Evening of Spoken Word and Musical Acts
  • Tapp’s Art Center
  • 1644 Main Street, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Presented by Homeless Helping Homeless of Columbia, S.C.
  • Doors open at 6 p.m. with a silent auction and light refreshments.
  • Performance begins at 7 p.m.
  • Performances during the event are based on actual writings created by members of the Columbia homeless community which tell their journey, demystify their reality and celebrate the ups and downs of their lives.
  • Tickets are $10 at the door.

 

Thursday, November 20

 

• Interfaith Prayer Service to End Midlands Homelessness
  • Washington Street United Methodist Church
  • 1401 Washington St, 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
  • Service held in honor of those who are homeless.

 

• The Women’s Shelter Annual Thanksgiving “Souper”
  • Eastminister Presbyterian Church
  • 3200 Trenholm Rd, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • The Women’s Shelter will host the 35th Annual Thanksgiving “Souper.” Chick-fil-A of Columbia will sponsor the event and provide the chicken soup. All “Souper” guests will receive a Chick-Fil-A food coupon.
  • Suggested minimum donation is $2.00 per person.

 

Friday, November 21

 

• Camden Annual Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Lunch
  • Food for the Soul Soup Kitchen
  • 110 East Dekalb St, 12:00 pm – 2:00 p.m.

 

• Family Homelessness Panel Discussion
  • Richland Library Main – Bostick Auditorium
  • 1431 Main Street, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
  • Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) hosts a panel discussion to follow-up on Monday’s viewing of American Winter. Kristen Connors, Director of USC Office of Supportive Housing, will facilitate a panel of local experts on family homelessness. Presenters include Rebecca Jacobson from The Family Shelter, Denise Holland from Harvest Hope, Kathleen McLean-Titus of Family Promise, and Lila Anna Sauls from St. Lawrence Place.

 

 

About United Way of the Midlands

United Way of the Midlands is the most organized efficient and accountable system for investing in the community. With more than 80 certified partner agencies, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations. For more information please visit www.uway.org.