FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2001
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.
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