DETROIT – The Oakland County Alliance for Housing will kick off Homeless Awareness Week on Monday.
The aim is to aid thousands of homeless within Oakland County.
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Always held the week before Thanksgiving, homeless awareness week will hold several events each day across the county to inspire additional assistance for over 3,000 people who are without shelter. This is only a fraction compared to the rest of Metro Detroit that has the highest population of homeless in Michigan with about 35,000 individuals, according to the Homeless Management Information System.
WATCH: Local 4's Kevin Dietz hits the streets to gain perspective on being homeless
“Homelessness is often a hidden issue in communities perceived to be more affluent,” said Leah McCall, executive director of the Alliance for Housing.
She said this is a serious social problem, especially with Michigan’s harsh winter weather conditions which makes this a critical time to boost the availability of emergency shelters, eviction prevention, clothes and food.
How you can get involved
The first event will be a candle lighting ceremony held on Monday at the HOPE Adult Shelter on Baldwin Avenue in Pontiac at 5:45 p.m. Individuals will have the opportunity to remember the homeless by taking a candle with them to light it on their porch, this evening.
A screening of "Tiny: The Life of Erin Blackwell" will be held at Oakland University on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. as the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine’s Chapter of the National Student Medical Association has partnered with HOPE and the Alliance for Housing.
The 10 annual Community Resource Day will be held Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will draw in over 30 agencies that will provide resources and a lunch to those who are experiencing a housing crisis in downtown Royal Oak. Transportation will be provided from other areas of the county.