Macomb proclaims November Homelessness Awareness Month; local groups outline outreach and fundraisers

Mayor Michael J. Inland read a proclamation at the Nov. 3 Macomb City Council meeting declaring November as Homelessness Awareness Month and invited representatives from Samaritan Well, Genesis Garden, the township office and the Center for Youth and Family Solutions to accept the proclamation on behalf of local providers.

Officer Sally Viggessi of the Macomb Police Department accepted the proclamation and introduced the partners in attendance. A Samaritan Well representative described a set of outreach activities planned for the month, including staff reading to Macomb School District classrooms the week of Nov. 17'20, a soup dinner at Chandler Park from 4 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 18 open to the public, and a November restaurant fundraiser (Nov. 17, 19 and 20) where proceeds from participating local restaurants will support the organization.

Organizers said they will staff a display table at the library with books about homelessness for public viewing during the month and that multiple agencies will be available at the soup dinner to describe services and referral options. The speaker noted volunteers and staff hope the events will raise awareness of local needs and encourage donations and volunteerism.

The mayor framed the proclamation with national context provided in the text he read, noting causes of homelessness and citing national and state trends; city staff and nonprofit representatives emphasized the local relevance and urged residents to attend the scheduled events. The council took no formal vote on the proclamation beyond the ceremony.

Next steps: organizers invited residents to attend the listed events and to consult participating organizations for volunteer or donation opportunities.