As November progresses, peoples tend to zero in on Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season. They start making Thanksgiving preparations and game plans for Black Friday shopping, caught up in the midst of the excitement and the time of gift giving.

But, what most people don't know is that the week of November 16-20 is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. This is a week dedicated to educating people on the reality of homelessness while also being a week that sheds light on being thankful for what we have, which is quite fitting since this precedes Thanksgiving by only a few days.

There are a lot of things that people don’t know about people experiencing homelessness. Obviously people are aware that this is a problem, but a lot of the time, people aren't able to wrap their heads around the idea that it could be close to home; people don't always realize that people experiencing hunger or homelessness could be within their community. For instance, on any given night there are approximately 633,782 people experiencing homelessness as stated by the National Alliance to End Homelessness. This is quite an appalling number and a cause for concern. And according to government studies, one in five homeless people suffers from untreated severe mental illness. These are just some of the many realities of homelessness and some of the numbers or statistics are staggering. If you want to find ways to help go to www.hhweek.org to find more information on homelessness and about this organization.

One way to help is by promoting this week and having people become more aware and willing to make a difference and help. The Habitat for Humanity RSO at Saginaw Valley State University has a huge event planned in honor of this week called Cardboard City. Cardboard City is an event where people come and experience what it is like to be homeless. People are given cardboard and tape and asked to make a sleeping arrangement while also being encouraged to fast during the event. There are options to donate money as well as signs and posters illustrating the reality of homelessness. The members of Habitat for Humanity help plan this event and encourage people to show up in order to raise awareness for this cause. This is an event with great intentions that not only helps to educate people but to also bring them together.

During a time where we should be thankful we also need to shed light on those who are less fortunate and try to lend a hand where we can. It is important to give and try and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. So while also being in the holiday spirit and excited to spend time with family while also having a break from school; take time to think about those less fortunate and do your part to help make the world a better place. You never know the power or impact a small gesture can have on someone’s life.