What’s What Wednesday: Homelessness And Hunger
This week Sunshine State Counseling Center would like to discuss the impact of homelessness and hunger in our Lee County community. Florida has the third largest homeless population in the United States of America. In South West Florida homelessness and hunger are current problems, affecting more than 35% of our community. One way to bring awareness to these issues are through organizations and agencies that are working hard to assist those in need. This week is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week. The goal of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week is to make a difference and share compassion to those who are experiencing these challenges, all while trying to make sure these issues deplete throughout not just the United States, but worldwide.
Some of the ways that you can get involved are:
1. Donating food and or your time to an agency that promotes with aiding individuals who are facing these issues. For example in our area, The Everyday Café & Marketplace at Community Cooperative has volunteer opportunities available to help on days during the holiday season or during the year. All volunteers must start by filling out a volunteer form that can be found at CCMILeeCounty.com. For questions, contact Jacque Lawson, 332-7687, ext. 7105, or jacque@ccmileecounty.com.
2. Donating money is another way to get involved. An organization that has dedicated themselves to helping the homeless is the Lee County Homeless Coalition. Donations can be in the form of cash, check, credit card, event sponsorship’s, stock, planned gifts or in-kind goods and services. Contributions to the Coalition are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Lee County Homeless Coalition is located at 1500 Colonial Boulevard, Suite 235, Fort Myers, FL 33907. If you have further questions call: (239) 322-6600.
3. Donating personal hygiene products like body soap, a tooth brush and tooth paste, razors, and deodorant are another great way to help this population. The Salvation Army accepts these donations along with gently used clothing to help the homeless population of South West Florida. The Salvation Army is located at 26820 Old U.S. 41 Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34134. If you could like to know more about what they have to offer call: (239) 948-5200.
If you are experiencing any problems please feel free to contact Sunshine State Counseling Center at (239) 495-7722 as we will assist you in community resources and or more information.