APPLETON (NBC26) — This week is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and community organizations are teaming up to raise $30,000 dollars in 30 days to support homeless people in the Fox Valley.
Pillarsand SECURA Insurance are partnering to raise awareness and funds to support those facing homelessness in our community. SECURA, through their charitable fund at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, will match up to $30,000 in contributions to Pillars from November 30 to December 31.
“When someone lacks home, that center of life, it not only affects that person it affects their family, it affects the whole community," said Lisa Strandberg, Community Engagement Director for Pillars. "And by making sure that everyone has their basic needs met, we will just be a stronger, more better and vibrant community together.”
Year-round, Pillars works to provide shelter and support to those who are homeless, but this time of the year is particularly important, said Strandberg.
“It’s really about raising awareness at that time when all of us are feeling thankful for a roof over our head," she said. "But we have to remember that not everybody has that."
“Anything that we can do to support everyone who’s in need in our communities," said Kristin Heiges, Director of Marketing for SECURA. "We really try and focus on those basic needs of shelter, safety, housing, food those kinds of things.”
It’s going to be tougher raising money this year, with fundraising efforts being all virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Heiges.
“Even though we’re not in-person, if anything, this year is making this an even greater need," she said.
COVID-19 has left many vulnerable, and people in the community are noticing, said Strandberg.
“Folks are really giving and meeting the needs of those most vulnerable in our community," she said. "You know it’s cold, it’s getting colder, we’re all aware of it, and we think especially of those folks who are un-sheltered at this time.”
If you want to make a donation to 30 in 30, you can donate on the Pillars web site here.
Checks can also be made out and sent to:
Pillars 30-in-30
605 E. Hancock Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 54911
