Hunger and Homelessness

Coordinator: Derek Leonard

Email: HungerandHomelessness@messiah.edu

Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

Nov 9-13, 2008

Sunday, 9th

Hunger Banquet

6:00-7:30pm, private section of Lottie Nelson dining hall

Although farmers around the world produce enough to feed the Earth’s entire population, many people still do not have enough to eat. This event will give participants a small glimpse into what this unequal distribution of food on a global scale looks like. Mr. Joe Quattrocchi, Executive Director of PA Hunger Action Center, will also be speaking about hunger on the more local level.
Pre-Registration required, email Christy at ch1232@messiah.edu.

Monday, 10th

Wounded Heart: Pine Ridge

7:00-8:30pm, Boyer 134

alternate chapel

Join us to discuss how Native American and government officials at Pine Ridge, SD - located in the poorest county in the U.S. - are attempting to address the poverty, racism, domestic violence, child abuse, inadequate health care, and drug and alcohol problems that besiege the community, and in particular how the Native Americans there are choosing to embrace their Lakota culture and determine their own destiny in the face of these enormous challenges.

Tuesday, 11th

Who's Zoomin' Who? - Student Dialogue on Hunger & Homelessness

8:30-10:00pm, Issachar's Loft

Often discussions on college campuses devoted to hunger/homelessness issues focus more on diagnosing the issues themselves than on providing concrete ways in which college students can help those who are suffering. This will provide a forum in which students can discuss and learn about what they can do to help the hungry and homeless both while students at Messiah and after they graduate.

Wednesday, 12th

The Pursuit Of Happyness
4:00-6:30pm, Boyer 336

alternate chapel

A successful Hollywood drama which features a father and son struggling with homelessness as main characters, The Pursuit Of Happyness helpfully deconstructs some of the most prevailing stereotypes about homelessness and poverty but also, some would argue, encourages viewers to look on the means available to the poor and homeless for the improvement of their lives in too optimistic a light. The film will be followed by a discussion of these issues.

Homelessness In Harrisburg: Deinstitutionalization Of Mental Health Care

6:30-7:30pm, Boyer 231

alternate chapel

Come learn about how the closing of the State Hospital has affected both the homeless population in Harrisburg and those that serve them. Alumni Jordon Byers, a Behavioral Health Specialist with the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, and Malinda Kirk, an Outpatient Specialist with Catholic Charities, will be speaking. Come learn and discuss the pros and cons of institutionalization and how related decisions can affect marginalized populations.

Thursday, 13th

Faces of Homelessness

7:00-9:00pm, Frey 110 (Alexander Auditorium)

alternate chapel

Come and hear stories from people from our local community and D.C. who were and are homeless as part of a panel discussion. Learn about issues facing the homeless population from on-the-ground facts and experiences.

Regular Volunteer Opportunities