The Washington County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 6 adopted a proclamation declaring November 2025 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month and designating an associated awareness week, citing county point-in-time data and urging residents to support local service providers.

Commissioner Larry Mack read the proclamation during the meeting, saying the county’s January 2025 point-in-time count showed homelessness had increased roughly 33% since 2023 and that more than 20,000 county residents face food insecurity. "This proclamation seeks to raise public awareness about the complex causes of hunger and homelessness," Mack said, listing poverty, domestic violence, substance-use disorder, mental health challenges and a shortage of affordable housing as contributing factors.

Nicole, representing the county housing and homelessness task force, accepted the proclamation and outlined planned community events for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, including a Mon Valley Food Box Challenge (business food drives), a display of artwork called Visionary Voices in downtown, school outreach events where volunteers read "Lily and the Paper Man," free community meals called Harvest for Hope and Veil Sunday supper, an Empty Bowl fundraiser and a "sleep out" fundraiser. Nicole encouraged residents to attend, volunteer and donate.

The proclamation calls on residents to support area organizations, volunteer time and resources, and advocate for housing and food-security initiatives. The board approved the proclamation by roll call during the meeting; the motion was moved, seconded and recorded as adopted.

The county’s task-force events are being organized by local service providers, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and volunteers, the proclamation says; details and flyers were made available at the meeting.