“Although November 15-21 has been set aside to shed light on the plight of the poor throughout the nation, hunger and homelessness are year-round concerns for us here at City Union Mission.” —Daniel J. Doty

    As the national unemployment figure climbs to double digits, City Union Mission joins other social service agencies, schools and churches across the country in an effort to bring greater awareness to the problems of hunger and homelessness, during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

    “Although November 15-21 has been set aside to shed light on the plight of the poor throughout the nation, hunger and homelessness are year-round concerns for us here at City Union Mission,” said the Rev. Daniel J. Doty, the Mission’s executive director.  “Currently, we’re providing nearly 900 meals every day and 350 shelter beds each night to struggling families and individuals in our Kansas City community.”  Even with the recent milder weather conditions, the number of men in the Mission’s emergency shelter has already reached over 220 a night.  Once the cold weather sets in, that number will grow to more than 300. 

    Doty also noted more men and women who have advanced educations and who once held professional positions are seeking the agency’s help.

    The timing of the special week is significant because it falls within the Mission’s annual Celebrate Hope fundraising campaign, which is in full swing.  “Our goal is to raise  $3.5 million—about half of our fiscal year budget—by January 31, 2010,” Doty said. 

    To date, the Mission has realized nearly 24.5 percent of the total, leaving $2,641,373 million yet to be received, with just over two months and a half remaining in the campaign.  “I encourage the Mission’s friends and partners to take this opportunity to make a gift to the campaign, while the nation’s focus is on the hungry and homeless—and we have so many who need our assistance right here at home,” said Doty.  City Union Mission is the largest provider of services and assistance for the homeless, in the metro area.

    National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is sponsored annually—the week before Thanksgiving—by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign against Hunger and Homelessness.  For more information, contact Ben King at info@cumission.org.