The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) kicked off its annual this past weekend. ECHO will host daily community events through Nov. 18 to educate Austin residents on the causes of homelessness and hunger. ECHO hopes community education spurs community action to help end local homelessness.
To that end, several events are being hosted by ECHO and other community groups this week. Here's a rundown:
- , Tuesday, Nov. 3: Meals are served based on the luck of the draw. While some attendees will be served filling meals,others will have relatively bare plates. The banquet is aimed at raising awareness of inequalities in food distribution in the world.
- Wednesday , Nov. 14: Attendees will go through a stimulation created by the in which they have to accomplish tasks such as finding food or shelter for their family or apply for homeless benefits. The idea is to give participants an idea of the homeless experience.
- Wednesday, Nov. 14: The University of Texas School of Social Work will host a free screening of the documentary chronicling the creation of Austin鈥檚 initiative and the lives of five homeless artists. There will be a Q&A with director Layton Blaylock afterward.
- , Saturday, Nov. 17: This event will link homeless people and families with community resources and social service agents. Free haircuts, medical services, legal assistance and food will also be available.
- , Sunday, Nov. 18: will host a sunrise (6:59am) memorial service for those who have died while homeless.
ECHO鈥檚 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is part of a nationwide , sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and .
