The Criminalization of Homelessness in U.S. Cities

"Homes not Handcuffs" is an article originally published in July 2009 by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty.

With foreclosures and unemployment rapidly increasing, the IFC continues to meet the needs of Orange County.

Link to article: "Homes not Handcuffs"

Homelessness is EVERYONE'S problem.

The realities of hunger in America; One (of many) solutions

Below is a link to an article from the New York Times about hunger in the United States.

New York Times - Hunger in the USA;

Also, please meet CNN HERO: Mr. Jorge Munoz -- one of many who provide solutions to the rising problems of homelessness and hunger. Click on link below....

Bus Driver Delivers Free Home-Cooked Meals

A Poem: 'The Will'

News From Our Shoes is a Raleigh-based magazine with the purpose of advancing an understanding about homelessness. What makes it unique is that the articles are written and edited by people who are experiencing homelessness, or who have at some point. Visit their website: http://www.newsfromourshoes.net/. The following is one of the poems from their website...

The Will by Rafiq S. Rashad

Please don't say that I gave up Just say I gave in Don't say that I lost the battle For it is God's war To win Please don't say how good or how bad I was for I did my best I tried to do what was right To give the most I could have dont less Please don't give me halos Cause that's for God to do I want no more than I deserve No extras, just my due. Don't give me flowers Or talk in hustled tones For a homeless man Knows what to do I've made my new home. Don't talk about what Could have been It's over and it's done Just to see my family Get their needs The battle has been won. When you draw a Picture of me Don't draw me as a Homeless drunk I've done some good And I've done some bad Don't just use the light And bright tones Use some gray and dark In fact, don't put me In your mouth After I'm gone Paint me In your heart Don't just remember The good times But remember the bad ones Too For life is full of Many things Some happy and some blue But if you have something For a homeless man Then I have one last request... Forgive me for all the wrong I have done and with the love that's left Thank God that a homeless man Has been blessed Thank God For all who loved me Praise God For he loved me best. Rafiq S. Rashad

Blanket Orange County

The 6th annual drive to Blanket Orange County begins December 1 and runs through December 21! This year, they are in search of 300 blankets for the homeless in Orange County. You can help by donating a blanket or giving a cash donation. For more information, visit: http://www.businessclassinc.com/blanketorangecounty/

The IFC Needs Your Help For The Holidays

Below is a link to an interview with the IFC's Executive Director, Chris Moran. As the IFC works to meet the increased food and service demands, everyone's help is needed.

Interview: The IFC Needs Your Help for the Holidays

Homeless on the Capitol's Doorstep

Here is a link to an incredible article that chronicles the realities of homelessness...two blocks from the White House: Homelessness on the Capitol Doorsteps

Here is a link to a story of a woman who is trying to give voices to 'America's Hidden Homeless'....in our backyards....America's Hidden Homeless

Homelessness is EVERYONE'S problem.

Food Insecurity

Here are some more links about the current state of food insecurity in the United States:

From the New York Times:

Hunger in U.S. at a 14-Year High

By JASON DePARLE
Published: November 16, 2009

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans who lived in households that lacked consistent access to adequate food soared last year, to 49 million, the highest since the government began tracking what it calls “food insecurity” 14 years ago, the Department of Agriculture reported Monday...
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/us/17hunger.html?scp=2&sq=food%20insecurity&st=cse

IFC Executive Director Chris Moran connects nationwide food insecurity to local needs: http://www.wchl1360.com/detailswide.html?id=12421


The Food and Research Action Center, a non-profit devoted to to eradicating hunger and under-nutrition in the United States: http://www.frac.org/index.html

Information for tonight's public hearing (Chapel Hill Town Hall) - 7pm

Please click on the link below to review and/or print this important historical information for tonight's public hearing.

Please join us!
 
November 9 Memorandum regarding Community House Occupancy

From Today's News & Observer

Below is a very important article from the November 13th News & Observer. It is further confirmation of the increased food insecurity experienced statewide. The reality is that hunger and homelessness are equal oppotunity struggles. These strained economic times will continue to prove the importance of benevolence and community....OUR community.

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local_state/story/189326.html

Why We Are Here.....

Courtesy of Rex Babin
The Sacremento Bee
Original Publish Date: Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2009

RSVVP Event to Support IFC Food Programs

Our 21st Annual RSVVP event is next Tuesday, November 10 and we hope you will eat out at one of the 95 restaurants that are participating this year. Look for participating restaurants at http://ifcweb.org/rsvvp2009.html. All proceeds from RSVVP benefit IFC Food Programs that are now reaching thousands of Carrboro and Chapel Hill residents.

As of September 30, 2,498 community households were active food pantry members, and we project that 90,000+ meals will be served again this year at the Community Kitchen.

Community House Mission and Vision Statement

Mission: Promote independence and self-reliance through a formative housing choice that informs, connects and empowers residents in their efforts to renew their lives, develop new skills, receive community resources and obtain employment and permanent housing.

Vision: Provide a home within a community setting, a place to live that will empower the entire person, encourage self-sufficiency and end homelessness.

FoodFirst Mission and Vision Statements

Mission: A local response to hunger working with the community to bring food security, adequate food supplies and support to individuals and families in need.

Vision:Maximize public/private partnerships to reduce hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition for those who work and live in Carrboro and Chapel Hill; and mobilize community resources to stamp out hunger for local households, low paid workers, the afflicted and unsheltered persons.