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National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week

Make a difference during National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week - show compassion, donate generously, and help those in need.

Sunday

15–21

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEWeek Before Thanksgiving

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPhilanthropy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for November 18 and get ready to make a difference during National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week! This heartening initiative started as a modest project at Villanova University in Pennsylvania some 40 years ago. The aim was to prompt the local community to act during Thanksgiving—a time when people are often thinking about food and family—to consider those who might not have either. Today, the event has grown into a nationwide movement inspiring people throughout the country to take action. This is your chance to show compassion, donate generously, and help those in need. Let's get geared up to support this incredible cause!

TIMELINE

National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week Timeline

Beginning of Awareness

Awareness about hunger and homelessness began to increase in the 1970s with the proliferation of homeless populations in major U.S. cities.

Initiated at Villanova University

Villanova University initiated the first Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week in the early 1980s as a community project during Thanksgiving.

Nationwide Movement

The initiative grew into a nationwide movement throughout the 1990s with various organizations joining forces to raise awareness.

Formal National Recognition

The U.S. Congress officially recognized National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week in 2001, further promoting its importance.

Expansion of Programs

Throughout the 2010s, programs aimed at providing food, shelter, and aid to homeless individuals saw widespread expansion across the country.

Homelessness in Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for such initiatives, with millions of Americans facing food insecurity and homelessness.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week

Organize a food and clothing drive

Gather non-perishable food items and warm clothing from friends, family, and neighbors. Ensure these essentials reach people who need them by donating to local shelters or food banks. Remember, every bit helps.

HOST

Host a fundraising event

Plan a charity concert, a fun run, a bake sale, or a garage sale to raise funds for organizations supporting homeless individuals and fighting hunger. Money raised can be used to fund meals, shelter, medical care, and other necessary services.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer your time

Offer your time at local shelters or soup kitchens. You can help serve meals, distribute clothing or even teach a skill. Volunteering can provide a real lifeline to those in need and is one of the most fulfilling ways to give back.

START

Start a community garden

Grow fresh fruits and vegetables in a community garden and donate the produce to local food banks or directly to families in need. This not only helps to alleviate hunger but promotes healthy eating habits too.

ADVOCATE

Advocate for policies

Use your voice to advocate for policies that help individuals and families experiencing homelessness or hunger. Write to your local representatives, engage on social media, or join an advocacy group to promote change and create a lasting impact.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week is Important

Inspires advocacy and policy change

Beyond immediate aid through donations or volunteer work, this week also inspires us to advocate for policy changes that can help those experiencing homelessness or hunger. By raising awareness and prompting dialogue about these issues, we can work towards long-term solutions and a lasting impact.

Promotes compassion and generosity

National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships that many people face on a daily basis. This week provides us with the opportunity to show compassion and generosity by donating and giving back to those in need, helping us grow personally and positively impact those around us.

Encourages communal involvement

This week encourages everyone to get involved in various ways, whether it's organizing a food drive, volunteering time at a local shelter or even starting a community garden. It fosters a sense of community and brings people together to work towards a common cause, helping to improve our societies.

Related holidays

WED

Nov 2026

Awareness

National Day of Community Service

Join us on National Day of Community Service and lend a helping hand to make a positive impact in your community. Together, we can make a difference!

National Food Bank Day

Join the fight against hunger this National Food Bank Day! Every can, every dollar makes a difference. Support your local food bank today!

World Homeless Day

On World Homeless Day, join the global movement to help end homelessness and make a difference in someone's life!

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day

Join the fight against hunger on Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day! Let's fill those empty plates, one food donation at a time.

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