Outdoor Conversation on Hunger and Homelessness

SAULT STE MARIE– Now that the first snow of the season has graced the sidewalks of Sault Ste. Marie many residences are preparing for the long winter ahead. While most of our community try to enjoy the last fleeting days of sunshine some of our neighbors are faced with the rough reality of the harsh, white north. Did you know that in 2020, 4% of Michigan’s homeless population where from the Upper peninsula?  While that may not seem like an alarming statistic, research shows that the Upper Peninsula has had a steady increase in its homeless population over the last couple of years. While we may not see our homeless sleeping in doorways or on the sidewalks of our downtowns, homelessness is still a prevalent issue in our EUP (Eastern Upper Peninsula) community.

United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula is hosting an ‘outdoor community conversation’ on hunger and homelessness, November 13, from 7 pm until 10 pm at the Huntington bank ‘pocket park’ located at 511 Ashmun St. in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. This outdoor event will kick off National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week (HHAW) here in the EUP. National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 13-21, 2021) is a national endeavor by the National Coalition for the Homeless to promote education, action, and awareness about hunger and homelessness. United Way’s community event will include speakers from local organizations, a kid- friendly food donation drive to benefit The Salvation Army – Sault Ste. Marie’s school weekend food pack program, and an opportunity to discuss the services currently in place for homeless individuals as well as barriers to access those services within our community.

United Way invites those who have had to navigate homeless services in Chippewa, Luce or Mackinac counties to share their store. Those interested, or anyone with questions concerning this community event, can contact Holly Watkins, United Way EUP Intern, at intern@unitedwayeup.org or by calling 906-632-3700 ext.2

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About United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula

United Way of the EUP serves Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties. It has been governed by a volunteer board of directors since its inception in 1956 – local volunteers oversee every aspect of the organization even today! The UWEUP (United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula) Community Engagement (formerly, Volunteer) Center helps to facilitate corporate groups, local organizations, and individual volunteers to create an impact in our Eastern Upper Peninsula communities by hosting various service projects and events. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, or would like more information about our programs, call 906.632.3700, email david@unitedwayeup.org, or visit https://bit.ly/eupvolunteer