During the week of Nov. 13-21, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week took place. The nonprofit organization responsible for planning the week has been in place for over 40 years and has raised $800 million for families in need.

Dover Area School District intends to give all families who are in tough situations the help they need. Social Worker Amelia Warntz gave the run down of the organization. “For our district, we don’t have specific goals set out for this year’s awareness month. Instead, we focus on a broader goal throughout the school year. That goal is to make sure that all Dover families are 1) aware of our Weekend Backpack Program which is made possible through our district’s partnership with New Hope Ministries and 2) make sure that the students and families who would benefit from this program are able to sign up for the program. Students signed up for this program are able to bring home a backpack filled with food items every Friday.”

The program isn’t intrusive with how they try and help. It’s a private initiative for families in need. Advisor Bryan Buckley said, “We do not specifically address Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week. Instead, we address these issues throughout the school year, on a regular basis. To address hunger awareness, we distribute weekly food bags to families who may be food insecure, as requested by families… We can also refer families, who may have a greater hunger need, to go to New Hope in-person and register to receive a monthly supply of food for their families.” The program gives families in need the opportunity to receive the care and support that they need.