Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 10-18.

You’ve seen the headlines and heard the chatter — homelessness has grown to crisis proportions in Orange County. Too many of our fellow neighbors have lost hope. People like Cassandra.

The United to End Homelessness Initiative, empowered by Orange County United Way, remains steadfast in our goal to end homelessness for good in Orange County. We are focused on long-term housing solutions for the chronically homeless in our community to give them the relief they need from these debilitating and disabling conditions.

We encourage you to learn more about supportive housing as the solution to end chronic homelessness in Orange County by visiting our new and enhanced website, unveiled this week.

You’ll find a wealth of information on how you can join our campaign, stay informed, get involved, learn more about the issue and help spread the work about its critical importance.

If you’re ready to be a part of this important work, we invite you to join our efforts to support Orange County’s Point-in-Time count taking place this January. The Point-in-Time count is a biennial survey of people experiencing homelessness that takes place on one particular night.

The results of the count shape Orange County’s approaches to allocating resources and supports to end homelessness. Each person interviewed will receive a free bus pass and hygiene kit as a thank you for his or her participation in the count.

There are several ways you can get involved:

• Donate: By donating just $5, you will provide a bus pass to help homeless individuals get to and from important appointments. A donation of $10 provides a hygiene kit to improve cleanliness, health and greater self-esteem. Donate now here.
• Volunteer: There are multiple opportunities to participate as a volunteer from staffing the deployment centers, to counting and interviewing people experiencing homelessness on January 23, 2019. Register to join the team as a volunteer now here.

Hundreds of Orange County businesses, like Bank of America pictured here, and residents have stood up and said “I’m In” to help end homelessness for all in OC. Are you in?

We are encouraged by the hundreds of caring local residents who have joined hands with us, said “I’m In” and signed our proclamation to #EndHomelessnessOC. If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to sign now.

Conclusion

The United to End Homelessness Initiative, empowered by Orange County United Way, is committed to ending homelessness in Orange County. In collaboration with business leaders, nonprofits and policy makers, we are identifying and championing the development of new permanent supportive housing solutions for chronically homeless individuals. Are you ready to join the fight to end homelessness in Orange County?

Orange County United Way is Solving Problems in the Community

United Way fights for the education, health, housing and financial stability of every person in Orange County. We are doing more than raising funds, we are transforming our community. If you are looking for ways to help, learn how to get involved or sign up for our monthly newsletter.