Des Moines – Governor Reynolds recently proclaimed November 16th through the 24th as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Iowa. Iowa joins with the National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness as well as more than 700 other organizations throughout the country in bringing awareness to the pressing issues of hunger and homelessness. The Iowa Council on Homelessness reports that 12,180 Iowans were served by homeless shelters in 2018, a slight decline from 12,932 served by shelters in 2017.

Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Debi Durham says “I encourage all Iowans to join with the Iowa Council on Homelessness this week in recognizing the many causes of hunger and homelessness, the impact it has on families and to support local organizations in their efforts to make a difference in the lives of Iowa’s most vulnerable citizens.” The Iowa Council on Homelessness is a 38-member council made up of representatives of state and local governments, nonprofits, advocates and homeless or formerly homeless individuals that works to identify issues, increase understanding, raise awareness and secure resources that will allow all homeless Iowans to become self-sufficient.

The Iowa Finance Authority provides staff support to the Council to submit a coordinated application for federal funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Program. Iowa Council on Homelessness Board Chair Karin Ford said “The Iowa Council on Homelessness works year-round to advance opportunities for those who are experiencing or are at-risk of homelessness. As the holidays approach, it’s a fitting time for all Iowans to consider donating time or resources to homeless service agencies throughout the state to assist Iowa families in need.”