The purpose of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is to raise awareness and empathy concerning hunger and homelessness, and to help promote the national endeavor to end hunger and homelessness. 

Throughout the week of November 15 – 21, 2009, the Division of Volunteer Efforts will be spearheading several events and programs dealing with hunger and homelessness. All events are available for COMPASS credit. Printable Schedule (PDF).

This year's programs include:

Sunday, November 15: Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
Sunday Mass: The collection from each mass will benefit Covenant House, an organization that provides shelter and other services for homeless, runaway and throwaway youth. Additionally, "mass cards" will be distributed, featuring the story of a homeless person from St. John's Soup Kitchen.

Monday, November 16: Science Center Room 101
Faces of the Homeless Panel: Homeless teens from Covenant House New Jersey, a crisis center in Newark, will talk about their experiences with homelessness.

Tuesday, November 17: 7pm Campus Ministry Lounge (Basement of Boland Hall)
Hunger Banquet: Will you be fortunate to have dinner tonight?  Come experience the reality of local poverty and world hunger.

Wednesday, November 18: 9am-4pm, Main Lounge
Fair Market Trade: Students will have the opportunity to support artists from developing countries by shopping at a Fair Trade Market.  All of the merchandise is the result of Fair Trade Principles.  In conjunction with 10,000 Villages (a Fair Trade organization), participants will learn about what Fair Trade is and how Free Trade affects people in developing countries.

PB&J for the Hungry: Students will make 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to take to Saint John's Soup Kitchen in Newark.  Come see how something as small as making 1 sandwich can make a difference.

Thursday, November 19: 7pm, Pirate’s Cove
Kicking It: A screening of the film Kicking It, focusing on the Homeless World Cup.  Witness the impact that soccer can have on teaching self-worth and reclaiming one's life.  A poor man's supper of soup and bread will also be served.