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Walk Against Homelessness and Hunger needed

A record-high 653,104 people in America experienced at least one night of homelessness last year, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. That includes more people than ever who experienced homelessness for the first time.

The group says 8,997 people experienced homelessness in Michigan.

In Michigan, just 87% of homeless individuals had a shelter bed available to them, according to the Alliance to End Homelessness (things were better for homeless families, with a surplus of available shelter beds across the state).

Meanwhile, 47 million Americans are food-insecure, including 14 million children, according to Feeding America. Every county in the country has hungry people, the group said.

Stats like that are why we’re glad to see Alpena organizers put together the 22nd annual Walk Against Homelessness and Hunger, scheduled for Saturday.

Last year’s walk — which is free, though donations are welcome — raised $1,200 for local programs combatting homelessness and hunger, walk organizer Randy MacAulay told News Lifestyles Editor Darby Hinkley for a recent story.

“We are basically a working class community, and a pretty good percentage are suffering from either lack of shelter or food,” MacAulay told Hinkley. “Even clothing, too … We want to make sure that nobody goes hungry. We want to make sure that everyone has shelter. We are striving for that, and we’re putting a dent in it.”

In addition to the funds raised through donations, the walk raises awareness of the important issues facing our community and offers information about how residents can get involved to make sure nobody sleeps on the streets and nobody goes without a meal.

Registration for the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Salvation Army Church, 722 N. 2nd Ave., Alpena. The walk begins at 10 a.m.

We encourage everyone who can to attend the walk and show your support for ending homelessness and hunger. If you’re able, donate to the cause.

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