Talbot County, Maryland

11/15/2024

Category: Commission on Aging County Council

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Rachel Smith (left) and Jenna Marchi (right) present to Council on hunger and homelessness issues in our community.

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Organizations focused on the issue of hunger and/or homelessness receive proclamations from Council recognizing November as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month.

In a united effort to address pressing social issues, the Talbot County Council has proclaimed November as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month. This initiative aims to bring attention to the severe and often hidden challenges faced by individuals and families experiencing hunger and/or homelessness, both locally and across the state of Maryland. The Council hopes to increase awareness, promote resources, and encourage community involvement in addressing these pervasive issues.

According to the Maryland Food Bank, approximately 13.9% of Talbot County’s population faces food insecurity. In the past year, local partner agencies distributed over 750,000 pounds of food throughout the county to support residents struggling to meet basic nutritional needs. In addition, data from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development reveals that, in 2023, 686 people in the Midshore region received some form of homelessness-related assistance. These figures reflect a significant need for community resources to support those affected by hunger and homelessness.

The Talbot County Commission on Aging, a leader in raising awareness of these issues, highlighted the vulnerability of older adults, the fastest-growing age group experiencing homelessness nationwide. During the November 12, 2024 Council meeting, Jenna Marchi, Vice Chair of the Talbot County Commission on Aging, spoke on the issue. “Of course, housing insecurity and hunger impact people of all ages, but older adults are, in fact, the fastest-growing age group experiencing homelessness in America,” Marchi noted. “Locally, we are seeing similar trends of increasing hunger and housing insecurity among our older population.”

Several organizations dedicated to tackling these challenges came together to accept the proclamation. Representatives invited included Talbot Interfaith Shelter, Neighborhood Service Center, St. Vincent de Paul, the Mid Shore Roundtable on Homelessness at Mid Shore Behavioral Health, the Talbot County Public Schools McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Program, the Mid Shore Council on Family Violence, and the Talbot County Commission on Aging. Their presence underscored the collaborative efforts being made throughout the community to address the complex and interrelated issues of hunger and homelessness.

Talbot County Council Member Lynn Mielke, who was instrumental in bringing the initiative forward, shared her thoughts on the importance of this proclamation. “We have an obligation to care for our community and to support our neighbors who are struggling with these life-altering issues,” said Mielke. “By recognizing November as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month, we hope to inspire greater action and understanding. Talbot County is filled with compassionate people and organizations, and together, we can make a real impact.”

Jenna Marchi further emphasized the importance of sustained attention and resources for these issues as winter approaches. “The Talbot County Commission on Aging was honored to join community leaders in recognizing November as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month. Bringing attention to the pressing issue of homelessness reminds us all that many of our neighbors in Talbot County lack housing,” Marchi said. “With winter approaching and limited cold weather shelters available, the needs of those experiencing homelessness are especially urgent. Homelessness impacts individuals of all ages, and as a commission, we are committed to working with community partners to raise awareness and seek solutions that address the challenges faced by our vulnerable population.”

As part of its commitment to Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month, Talbot County will be sharing resources, events, and statistics throughout the week of November 17-23, 2024, in observance of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. This campaign will focus on mobilizing the community to support local efforts that provide food, shelter, and essential services to those in need.

For more information on how to get involved or to access resources, visit the Talbot County website or reach out to any of the participating organizations. Community members are encouraged to join in the fight against hunger and homelessness and to help ensure that all Talbot County residents have access to the basic necessities of life.

council meeting hunger and homelessness housing public awareness commission on aging