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Franklin County proclaims Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and marks Veterans Day
Summary
Franklin County commissioners proclaimed Nov. 16–22, 2025 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and declared Nov. 11, 2025 as Veterans Day. County staff and community partners described local needs — including about 3,700 individuals served monthly by pantries — and the board approved both proclamations unanimously.
Franklin County commissioners unanimously approved two proclamations during their Nov. 11 meeting, designating Nov. 16–22, 2025 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and formally recognizing Nov. 11, 2025 as Veterans Day.
County planning and community-connections staff highlighted local needs as they introduced the hunger and homelessness proclamation. "Today, we acknowledge hope for over a 100 families that are searching tonight for a stable roof over their heads," said Quentin Claffer, who was introduced as the county planning director and spoke on behalf of community programs. Claffer said multiple agencies have expanded meal and hygiene distributions and that the county office will host a giving-tree collection at an upcoming parade.
The proclamation text read aloud by the board cites national and local figures: it notes an estimated 580,000 Americans experiencing homelessness on any given night and 44 million at risk of hunger, and states that more than 19,000 Franklin County residents receive SNAP benefits while local food pantries and community organizations serve roughly 3,700 individuals each month. The board voted to approve the proclamation, and county staff and presenters posed for photos.
Later in the meeting, Josh Curry, the county veterans affairs director, reflected on veterans’ service and community contributions while commissioners read the Veterans Day proclamation. "Everyone walks into a recruiter's office. They sign their name. They make a commitment that's a blank check," Curry said, describing the varied paths veterans take after service. The board approved that proclamation as well.
Both proclamations were presented as part of outreach and awareness efforts rather than new policy or funding decisions. Commissioners encouraged public support of nonprofits and faith-based groups named in the proclamation — including Franklin County Community Connections, Franklin County Human Services, South Central Community Action Program, Women in Need, Waynesboro Community and Human Services, and New Hope Shelter — and took ceremonial photos after each vote. The meeting adjourned following routine business.
