For Immediate Release
Contact:
Courtney Pendleton ([email protected]) – 714.926.8106
Links:
Nov. 14-18: Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week Returns for Second Year of Action Against Food and Housing Insecurity
- Community can join Mission Fed Credit Union and Father Joe’s Villages for 3 calls to action to support critical actions to end food and housing insecurity
- 1 in 4 San Diegans face food insecurity, according to local data
- All contributions of up to $25,000 matched dollar-for-dollar by Mission Fed
WHAT:
It takes all of us to end hunger and homelessness. That’s why, from Nov. 14 to Nov. 18, the community is invited to join Father Joe’s Villages and Mission Fed Credit Union for Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, an annual recognition where everyone can support critical actions to end food and housing insecurity across the region.
Starting Nov. 14, the San Diego community is invited to take action during the week-long awareness event with three core actions including educational, service, participation, fundraising and advocacy events. Those who donate on Nov. 17 will have their contributions of up to $25,000 matched dollar-for-dollar by Mission Fed.
3 CALLS TO ACTION
The San Diego community can participate in Hunger & Homelessness Awareness week by responding to the following three core action items:
- Educate
To increase awareness on food insecurity and the effects of homelessness in the community, Father Joe’s Villages will provide a social media kit that addresses ways in which language and behaviors affect public perception on these issues. - Participate
From Nov. 14 through Nov. 18, community members are invited to participate in the Thanksgiving Day 5K with a one-week only discount of 15% on registration. Those wishing to participate in the Thanksgiving Day 5K can register online with promo code MISSIONFED. - Donate
To help Father Joe’s Villages fund housing and food programs, the community is invited to double their donation during a one-day matching gift campaign sponsored by Mission Fed. Donations up to $25,000 will be matched dollar by dollar on Nov. 17 and can be made through this link.
Community members can look for more information about this collaborative week on Father Joe’s Villages website.
WHY:
According to a Hunger in San Diego report, nearly one in four San Diego County residents experience nutrition insecurity. The 2022’s Point in Time Count by the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness indicated that more than 8,000 people in the San Diego region experience homelessness and 4,000 are unsheltered. When people experience both hunger and homelessness, these combined stresses can lead to short- and long-term health issues that make it even more difficult for people to end their homelessness.
Along with providing meals and shelters, discussion and awareness can help make it possible for organizations like Father Joe’s Villages to move the region one step closer to ending hunger and homelessness for good through on-the-ground and long-term action.
QUOTES:
“Together, we can ensure that no one will go to bed hungry or without a roof over their head in San Diego. We invite the community to join us in volunteering, donating or offering resources to those most in need,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, President and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. “We are appreciative of Mission Fed joining us for another year of critical action and advocacy in supporting our neighbors in need.”
“Giving back and supporting the most pressing needs in our community is in our DNA,” said Debra Schwartz, President & CEO at Mission Fed. “We encourage San Diegans to donate on Nov. 17 to double their impact in helping those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.”
ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND CONTACT:
- Organization:
- Father Joe’s Villages
- Mission Fed Credit Union
- To coordinate interviews: Contact Byron Kimball, [email protected], 619.732.0789 ext. 297
- Date: Nov. 14 to Nov. 18
- Links to use in your story:
- Father Joe’s Villages Official Website
- How to Volunteer with Father Joe’s Villages
- How to Donate With Father Joe’s Villages
- Further action: Donate to the matching gift campaign here.
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About Father Joe’s Villages
As San Diego’s largest homeless services provider, Father Joe’s Villages ensures that each person can rediscover hope and leave homelessness behind. To address the complex needs of people who are homeless, the organization provides housing for more than 2,500 people each night, along with health care, substance use disorder treatment, job training, therapeutic childcare and more. This mission is made possible only through the efforts of compassionate staff, volunteer work, car donation, and generous public and private charitable contributions. For more information, please visit: https://my.neighbor.org/.
About Mission Fed Credit Union
Mission Federal Credit Union (Mission Fed) is the largest member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution exclusively serving San Diego County. Mission Fed enhances the lives of its members through financial education and services, providing stability and strength to help San Diegans with financial wellness and success. Banking at Mission Fed means doing good for San Diego. Mission Fed gives money back to our local communities, has helped hundreds of nonprofits and important causes, and builds deep relationships with community partners.
Mission Fed has served the financial needs of San Diegans for over 60 years through checking, savings, loans, credit cards, and other financial offerings. Mission Fed has more than $5.0 billion in assets, 280,000 members, 34 convenient local branches, 30,000 fee-free CO-OP ATMs nationwide and free mobile and online banking services. The credit union was named a Top Workplaces USA winner in 2021 and placed in the top five California credit unions on Forbes’ Best-In-State Credit Unions list in 2022. Mission Fed is also the first San Diego-based credit union to receive the “Juntos Avanzamos” designation, honoring its commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic/Latinx consumers. Federally insured by NCUA and Equal Housing Lender. To learn more, visit www.MissionFed.com.
