Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week at Fortify Life

Each November, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week gives us a chance to pause, learn, and take action, and to remember that behind every statistic are real people, right here in DeKalb County, who are facing impossible choices.

We do this because outside of this week, our neighbors are struggling. In our county of roughly 43,500 residents, more than 10 % or over 4,300 people are living below the poverty line.

But the story doesn’t end there: about 27 % of households are classified as ALICE, meaning they are employed yet still can’t afford the basic cost of living in our county. Combined, roughly 37 % of households in DeKalb County struggle to eat, pay rent, access medical care, or simply survive.

At Fortify Life, we believe no one should have to face those choices alone. This week, and throughout the year, we’re committed to creating practical, compassionate solutions that help our neighbors find stability, dignity, and hope.

What We’re Doing This Week

1. Learning from Lived Experience

On Tuesday, we hosted a Lunch & Learn featuring the Executive Director of Fremont Youth and Community Outreach (FYCO). She shared her personal experience navigating youth homelessness and what young people in crisis most need from the adults and systems around them. It was a powerful opportunity for service providers, partners, and community members to deepen their understanding.

2. Educating and Raising Awareness

Throughout the week, we’re running an educational campaign highlighting facts and stories about hunger and homelessness in DeKalb County, information many people may not know.

3. Collecting Supplies & Taking Action

We’re organizing a volunteer day to pack emergency care bags for people experiencing homelessness in our community, including hand warmers, blankets, snacks, and hygiene items. We’re also encouraging everyone to make a few kits of their own to keep in your car for moments when you encounter someone in need.

“I saw a girl walking down the street with nothing but the clothes on her back and three bags. I could only give her food that was light enough to carry. Consider lighter items when you donate.”— DeKalb County Food Pantry Director

That simple quote reminds us that thoughtful giving matters. Small, light, and practical donations can make a big difference for someone on foot.

Beyond This Week: Our Ongoing Commitment

Hunger and homelessness don’t disappear after this week, and neither does our response. Outside of this week, Fortify Life works alongside partners across DeKalb County to address these issues at every level:

DeKalb County Hunger Relief Response

Together with the United Way of DeKalb County and the Community Foundation of DeKalb County, we launched the DeKalb County Hunger Relief Fund — providing $1,000 in immediate support to local food pantries, meal programs, and distribution sites.We also hosted a Hunger Relief Roundtable, bringing together providers and community leaders to coordinate efforts, identify urgent needs like transportation and volunteers, and build lasting capacity.

Countywide Food Drive

We are partnering with all four DeKalb County libraries and local food banks for a month-long food drive, uniting residents across communities to collect thousands of needed items for families facing food insecurity.

DeKalb Central Schools Food Drive

We are also excited to be partnering with DeKalb Middle & High School students this month for a food drive. We believe that when students become part of the solution, our entire community benefits.

Preventing Homelessness Before It Happens

Through our Eviction Clinic, we help individuals and families navigate housing challenges and connect with legal and financial resources — preventing homelessness before it starts.

Fortify Home: Transitional Shelter & Support

Our Fortify Home program provides safe, stable shelter for families and individuals in transition, along with case management, life-skills support, and pathways toward permanent housing and independence.

Fortify Resource Line

Our Resource Line connects residents to help — whether it’s food, housing, utilities, or other basic needs. One call opens the door to a network of community resources and support.

How You Can Help

• Learn — Follow our educational posts this week and share them to raise awareness.

• Give — Donate food, lighter-weight shelf-stable items, money, or emergency supplies.

• Partner — If you’re a business, faith group, or civic organization, reach out about joining the DeKalb County Hunger Relief Response's next roundtable.

• Care — Keep an emergency bag in your car, you never know when you’ll have the chance to make a difference for someone with something as simple as warmth.

  
  

At Fortify Life, we believe community isn’t just where we live but how we show up for one another. Together, we can make DeKalb County a place where no one goes hungry, no one is without shelter, and everyone has the chance to thrive.

Learn more about the DeKalb County Hunger Relief Response