(BLACK PR WIRE/FAMU-TALLAHASSEE) – During the month of November, many people take the time out to give thanks for the important things in life. Unfortunately, this isn’t the norm for everyone. According to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, there are 3.5 million people who won’t celebrate this traditional holiday because they are homeless.

African Americans are accounted for 67.5 percent of the homeless population, followed by Caucasians, Hispanics, Native Americans and Asians. Many people fall victim to homelessness due to lack of jobs, minimal government assistance, lack of affordable housing, healthcare and domestic violence, just to name a few. This year you can be an advocate for the homeless by joining a movement for a good cause.

During the week of November 15-21 (a week before Thanksgiving), the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness co-sponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. During this seven-day event schools, communities and many cities across the United States bring awareness to the problem of hunger and homelessness.

This week-long event consists of many activities such as a hunger banquet, an educational forum on hunger and homelessness, and the most anticipated event of them all, “One Night Without a Home Awareness.” This event allows participants to sleep in front of city hall or nearby campuses and become educated about homelessness.

If you would like your organization, school or city to participate in the week’s events, you can find more information about the National Coalition for the Homeless at www.nationalhomeless.org or contact Jonathan Bell at (202) 462-4822.