The Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People (MVCHP) will host a variety of events during Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, November 17–23, 2024, to build awareness and understanding of the impact of hunger and homelessness in our region. These activities join national- and state-level efforts to educate, increase awareness, and promote action to end hunger and homelessness. Gov. Doug Burgum has proclaimed November 17-23, 2024, as Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week in the State of North Dakota.
In 2023, MVCHP member agencies provided 982 unhoused individuals in the Bismarck-Mandan area with shelter or temporary housing, totaling 42,076 nights of shelter. Close to a third of individuals sheltered (290) were children or youth. Many more uncounted people, including youth, live each day in overcrowded situations with family or friends, struggling to find permanent housing and hunger solutions. Responding to food insecurity, one member agency provided 210,980 weekend backpacks of food for kids, as well as 23,542 summer meals. Another member agency has served 966,863 free meals to those in need thus far in 2024, and anticipates surpassing 1 million meals by the holidays.
MVCHP is asking the public for help in a variety of ways:
- Attend or support Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week events listed below.
- Volunteer for Freezin’ for a Reason by signing up at tinyurl.com/F4R2024.
- Make a financial contribution to support the work of MVCHP here.
- Donate your time, funds, or basic care necessities to local nonprofits, shelters, or community meal sites. MVCHP member organizations and community resources can be found here.
2024 HUNGER & HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK EVENT SCHEDULE
Please note: For outdoor events, attendees are encouraged to dress warmly
Sunday, November 17, 2024: Light Up the Night, sundown-sunrise
Region-wide, sponsored by Youthworks, 217 W Rosser Ave, Bismarck
- On Nov. 17, shine a green light from your porch or window to bring awareness to the issue of Youth Homelessness. Green lightbulbs are available to pick up at any Youthworks office location. A $10 donation per bulb is appreciated, but not required.
- Contact Youthworks at 701.255.6909 or bismarck@youthworksnd.org.
Monday-Friday, November 18-22, 2024: Shelter Tours and Winter Wear Drive
MSA United Way Shelter, 1140 S 12th Street, Bismarck
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- Daily shelter tours at 12:15pm
- Winter wear drive: collecting hats, scarves, and gloves for shelter residents
- Call 701-255-3601 or contact Laura at admin2@msaunitedway.org with questions
Tuesday, November 19, 2023: Walk a Mile in My Shoes, 11:30am-12:30pm
MSA United Way Shelter, 1140 S 12th Street, Bismarck- Participants will walk from the United Way Shelter to the Dream Center and back, allowing community members to connect with our homeless population. After the walk, enjoy a free meal and learn about the Center for Opportunity. We will also collect winter gear at this event.
- To participate, call 701-255-3601 or contact Laura at admin2@msaunitedway.org.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024: No Longer Hidden, 6:30pm
NOTE LOCATION UDPATE: Century High School Olson Gym, 1000 E Century Ave, Bismarck- Participants will gather outside with flashlights (provided) for an aerial group photo that visually represents the number of youth experiencing homelessness annually in Bismarck. In the 2023-24 school year, 484 students in Bismarck Public Schools were identified as experiencing homelessness.
- Contact Sherrice at sherrice_roness@bismarckschools.org or 701-527-4927 for details.
Thursday, November 21, 2024: Freezin’ for a Reason, 7am-7pm
Corner of Expressway Ave and South 12th Street, Bismarck- Freezin’ for a Reason is a 12-hour awareness event in which volunteers work 2-hour shifts, standing outside “freezin’” and holding signs for the “reason” of drawing attention to homelessness in our community.
- Donations of cash and winter gear (hats, gloves, scarves, coats, boots, etc.) will be collected at the site from 7am-7pm. Winter gear donations will be distributed at the Dream Center, 1805 Park Ave, Bismarck, on Saturday, Nov. 23.
- Sign up to volunteer at tinyurl.com/F4R2024. For details, contact Michelle at 701-391-9887 or michelleE@aarcnd.com.
NEW THIS YEAR:
Wednesday, November 27, 2024: Dodging Homelessness: Hop for Hope, 6-8pm
Sky Zone Trampoline Park, 5003 Ottawa St, Bismarck- Join our first double-elimination Dodgeball Tournament to raise support and awareness for homelessness in our region. All proceeds go to MVCHP. Dodgeball teams: up to 8 people per team, $100 team registration. Includes a Sky Zone 2-hour jump pass and socks for each participant. First prize: Sky Zone Jump Party for 10, includes food and drink.
- Register with Dave at 701-226-2264 or stop in the Soup Café, 220 N 23rd St, Bismarck.
