Hunger and Homeless Awareness Month

Mayor Craig Cates and City Commissioners Jimmy Weekley and Sam Kaufman have sponsored a proclamation aimed at raising awareness of the insidious problem of hunger in our community and around the nation. The proclamation sets aside the week beginning November 12th as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

According to the proclamation, there are many reasons people go hungry in our community, including the lack of affordable housing for very low income residents. In Monroe County there are many dedicated and effective organizations, including dozens of not-for-profit and public agencies committed to sheltering and providing supportive services as well as meals and food supplies to people experiencing hunger and homelessness.

This week dedicated to the awareness of the difficulties that many of our neighbors share encourages support of the care providers in the community. In addition it highlights the many community service opportunities that exist for students, school service organizations and the community at large.

Stephanie Kaple, of the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, accepted the proclamation and explained to the commission the ALICE Report recently conducted by United Way. The acronym, she said, stands for “asset limited, income constrained, employed.”

“Sadly,” said Kaple, “over half the residents of Monroe County fall into that or under the federal poverty level. Seventy-six percent of the residents of Stock Island fall into these categories.”

She urged the community to help by donating to the food pantry. She urged those in need to come by the pantry “and let us help you.”

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