St. Mary CAA wrapping up hunger, homeless initiative

Attendees at St. Mary Community Action Agency’s recent Hunger and Homeless Awareness Day shared similar messages.
“Homelessness and hunger affect everyone on a local, regional, national and global scale,” Almetra J. Franklin, St. Mary Community Action Agency’s Chief Executive said. “We all have a responsibility to pay it forward, and give of ourselves for the greater good of the community in which we live.”
Others expressed similar sentiments during the event, held Wednesday. Randy Harrington, an ex-military veteran, spoke about his experience being homeless and feeling invisible, as well as his inability to receive proper medical attention. Despite difficult times, the 62-year old Harrington thanked St. Mary CAA’s Housing Department staff for helping him to get off the streets. “Now that I have a house to live in, it is such a relief,” Harrington said. “I don’t have to worry about people moving me away from a place. It is a big relief to sit on the porch and watch the clouds move by.”
Local mayors joined in the effort by signing a proclamation declaring Nov. 14-20 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and Nov. 18 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Day. One of St. Mary Community Action Agency’s mottos is “People Helping People” and the agency has asked local churches and grocery stores to donate a basket of non-perishable food items to help stock pantries for the upcoming holiday season. The outpouring of support has been tremendous and continues each day.
St. Mary CAA acknowledges community partners who have assisted the agency in this endeavor and encourages others to continue charitable contributions and helping to remove housing barriers.