The Church's Response to Hunger and Homelessness

Hunger: Learning About Food Insecurity

 
What is Food Insecurity? 

Food insecurity has been defined as inconsistent or uncertain access to adequate and nutritious food.

Signs of food insecurity include one or more of the following:

  • Skipping meals because of financial restrictions.
  • Stretching a single meal to last all day.
  • Always having to buy cheap, non-nutritious food.
  • Choosing between buying food and other financial obligations.
  • Experiencing anxiety or uncertainty about food availability.

 

Homelessness: Learning About Housing Insecurity

 
What is Homelessness?

The definition of those who are experiencing homelessness includes:

  • An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, such as those living in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or places not meant for habitation, or
  • An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence (within 14 days), provided that no subsequent housing has been identified and the individual/family lacks support networks or resources needed to obtain housing, or
  • Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or families with children and youth who qualify under other Federal statutes, such as the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, have not had a lease or ownership interest in a housing unit in the last 60 or more days, have had two or more moves in the last 60 days, and who are likely to continue to be unstably housed because of disability or multiple barriers to employment, or
  • An individual or family who is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, has no other residence, and lacks the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing

Sources: https://soarworks.samhsa.gov/article/definitions-of-homelessness#:~:text=The%20definition%20of%20those%20who,not%20meant%20for%20habitation%2C%20or
https://files.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/HomelessDefinition_RecordkeepingRequirementsandCriteria.pdf

How can you help?

Participate in any of the ways listed on our Housing and Homelessness Awareness Week webpage.