A previous CCU cleanup event.
An upcoming week-long initiative will seek to shine a spotlight on a local need.
Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area (CCU) will participate in National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week from Nov. 11 through 18.
During the week, the organization will highlight the challenges of hunger and homelessness and provide opportunities for people to volunteer and donate to support outreach efforts.
“It’s all of us coming together; that’s what our community needs,” said Nick Mucci, CCU’s director of development.
According to the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week website, more than 700 community organizations across the country are expected to participate in the initiative.
In Harrisburg, the community can get involved in cleaning encampments, serving meals to those in need and helping with laundry services, among other volunteer opportunities. CCU has partnered with other area groups to coordinate the week’s outreach efforts.
“We know we aren’t the only one engaging in doing local work,” Mucci said. “We are better together.”
The Kappa Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity is one of the local organizations participating in the week. The group will provide a meal to 100 people at the homeless encampment near PennDOT.
“We hope to put a smile on some faces,” said Ian Wingfield, a member of Kappa Omega. “We want to let them know that people still care about you in spite of your situation.”
Additionally, the week will kick off with CCU’s annual United in Love Banquet and a clothing drive on Nov. 10. The week will also launch the 5th annual “Joy to the Burg” album and concert, which helps raise funds and awareness for homelessness services throughout the holiday season.
The schedule for the week is as follows:
- Nov. 10: United in Love Banquet, clothing drive and Joy to the Burg kick-off
- Nov. 11: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity meal, Harrisburg Havoc engagement activity and supplies, Compassion Action Network (CAN) litter clean up
- Nov. 12: The Eclipse Project – Helping Harrisburg’s Homeless, meal and supply handout
- Nov. 13: Project ASK information drop-in/Zoom: Supporting Students in West Shore SD
- Nov. 16: Laundry Angels
- Nov. 18: Winter Shelter and Safe Haven Volunteer Recruitment Breakfast
- Nov. 18: Tent Valley Ministries Feeding and CAN Litter Clean Up
- Nov. 18: Joy to the Burg at “Rockin’ the Burg” Harrisburg Parade
Mucci hopes that through the week, there will be an increased awareness of the issues of homelessness and poverty and that more people will decide to volunteer.
“The need is for ongoing volunteers that can commit to serve,” he said.
For more information about Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, visit CCU’s website.
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