5 ways you can help the homeless, hungry this week

The annual Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week brings new ways to get involved in helping address these community challenges.

It kicked off today with a memorial service for people who have used the services of the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House and have died this year.

The Bishop Dudley Hospitality House has served more than 1,600 guests so far this year, with an average of 130 guests each night.

Here’s how you can participate in the rest of the week’s activities:

Tuesday: Support Freedom Project

Purchase an item from the Freedom product line, created by human trafficking survivors, and you’ll assist the hungry and homeless. This is part of an effort by the nonprofit Call to Freedom. You can find the products online here or at Simply Perfect at 8th & Railroad Center in downtown Sioux Falls. Approximately 10 percent of proceeds will be donated to the Faith Temple Food Giveaway.

Wednesday: Meal Service

Go behind the scenes and see what it takes to prepare and serve a meal at the Banquet. Tours are available from noon to 2 p.m. at the downtown location, 900 E. Eighth St., and on the west side at 710 N. Marion Road.

Thursday: Food Truck Outreach

Support  favorite food trucks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. while giving back. Watecha Bowl and Murph’s Burgers & Fries will be parked in the Department of Social Services parking lot at 811 E. 10th St., and a portion of proceeds will assist the hungry and homeless.

Friday: Friendship Friday

Join Union Gospel Mission team members and friends to create cards, crafts and recycled art for neighbors in need at the Art Studio from 1 to 3 p.m., 701 E. Eighth St.

Saturday: Walk a Mile Community Event

Meet at the memorial stone behind LSS on East Sixth Street for the annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event. Fill a backpack with 15 nonperishable items, which will be distributed to agencies providing services to the homeless on the upcoming Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29.

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