November is Homelessness Awareness Month, a time to recognize the challenges faced by individuals and families experiencing homelessness, reduce stigma and bring communities together to support those in need.
Homelessness does not always look the way people expect. For many families, it means living in temporary housing, staying with friends or relatives, or facing uncertainty about where they will sleep next. In Livingston County, where affordable housing can be difficult to find, unexpected hardships can leave individuals and families struggling to maintain stable housing.
Throughout November, the Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care, part of the Human Services Collaborative Body, is coordinating community events and activities designed to foster connection, educate residents and encourage conversations about homelessness.
“We are shifting from awareness to action, ensuring that everyone in our community knows they are not alone and that support is available,” said Candice Olrich, chair of the Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care Homeless Awareness Month Committee. “We hope you will join us at one of our events.”
Student Art Show Kicks Off the Month
To kick off Homelessness Awareness Month, Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) will host a student art show on Wednesday, November 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the LESA Education Center in Howell.
Themed “Home – Where the Street Ends and Your Story Begins,” the show will feature artwork created by students and classrooms throughout Livingston County. Community members are invited to browse the artwork, support local student artists and learn more about homelessness and its impact on local families.
Admission is free. Attendees can also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of nine baskets, with all proceeds supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Tickets are $1 for one, $5 for 10 or $20 for an arm’s length of tickets. Raffle ticket sales are cash only, and winners do not need to be present to win.
For advance raffle ticket purchases, contact Candice Olrich at candiceolrich@livingstonesa.org.
More Ways to Get Involved
The art show is one of several opportunities for Livingston County residents to learn about homelessness and support local efforts throughout November.
Sunday, November 15: Join a community book discussion of When We Walk By, which explores homelessness in America, at Howell Carnegie District Library from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Register through Howell Carnegie District Library.
Thursday, November 19: Support the Barrier Buster Fund during Panera Bread's Dine to Donate event in Howell from 4 to 8 p.m. The fundraiser also applies to online orders throughout the day. The flyer or coupon code is required, and 25% of the bill will benefit individuals experiencing homelessness.
Friday, November 20: Make your morning meal matter at Sunrise Diner from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Barrier Buster Fund, which helps individuals experiencing homelessness.
Throughout November, six local libraries will also feature displays highlighting books, movies and resources related to homelessness. Participating libraries include Howell Carnegie District Library, Fowlerville District Library, Cromaine Library, Brighton District Library, Hamburg Township Library and Pinckney Community Public Library.
Additional information about Homelessness Awareness Month activities and community resources is available through the Livingston County Human Services Collaborative Body.
Supporting Learners Experiencing Homelessness
Raising awareness is especially important for children and families experiencing housing instability. Through the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, eligible children and youth experiencing homelessness have educational protections designed to help them access and participate in school, even when their housing situation is uncertain.
At LESA, Candice Olrich supports McKinney-Vento efforts, helping connect eligible learners and families with information and resources related to educational access and stability. This work reflects an important part of Homelessness Awareness Month: making sure families know that support is available and that housing challenges do not have to stand in the way of a learner's education.
By learning more about homelessness and the resources available locally, community members can help reduce stigma and make it easier for individuals and families to seek support.
Through student artwork, educational opportunities, local partnerships and community fundraisers, Homelessness Awareness Month encourages Livingston County residents to look beyond common misconceptions, learn about the challenges their neighbors face and discover ways to help.
Every family deserves a safe place to call home. By coming together as a community, Livingston County residents can help ensure that individuals and families experiencing homelessness know that support is available and they are not alone.