Service aims to raise homeless awareness

As National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week comes to end, Abode Services is hosting the event, Feed Your Soul, in hopes of raising awareness about the ongoing homeless epidemic in the Bay Area.

In 2013 4,264 people in Alameda County were recognized as homeless according to EveryOne Home.

Abode Services is an organization trying to end homelessness, through fundraising, for the thousands of families and individuals in the Bay Area.

“Last fiscal year, Abode Services helped 4,411 people including 1,217 children. Since 2010, we have placed 3,745 adults and children into permanent housing. Our funding includes a mix of government grants, foundation grants and donations,” said Paul Rosynsky an Abode employee.

Abode Services finds permanent housing for individuals and families, but they also provide temporary living – the organization runs the Sunrise Village Emergency Shelter in Fremont.

“While at the shelter, we provide participants with the tools they need to help them find a more permanent home,” said Rosynsky.

Mission Coffee in Fremont will be hosting the inaugural event “Feed Your Soul,” tonight November 20th at 7pm.

The event has no admission fee, but Abode services encourage guests to bring canned food or a donation for the organization.

“Feed Your Soul” will be a night of music, poetry and spoken word at least two musical acts and at least four speakers including a current and former Abode Services social worker and two participants who we have helped,” said Rosynsky.

Among the many artists, recording artist and Bay Area native, Michael McNevin is performing as well. While McNevin is not affiliated with the organization, Rosynsky said that McNevin is donating his time in hopes to help raise awareness.

Although Feed Your Soul is a one-night event, homelessness is an issue that happens year round.

During this holiday season, Abode Services asks the community to get into the holiday spirit of giving by donating to the families who do not have a home to celebrate the holiday season in.

Gift cards and online donations are welcomed at all times during the year. Specifically for the holiday season Abode asks the community to donate holiday dinner baskets, winter weather clothing, and gift baskets; which are the most impactful during this season.

After the “Feed Your Soul” event, Abode Services will be holding a candlelight vigil on Friday. The vigil will commemorate the Alameda County residents who died while homeless.

“We should not have people dying on our streets because they could not find a place to live, it’s a troubling occurrence that we need to end,” said Louis Chicoine, Abode Services executive director.

The vigil will be held at Saint James Episcopal Church in Fremont. The event includes prayer circles, places to donate and features two speakers, Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty and Abode Services Executive Director Louis Chicoine.

Abode said because finding money to spare during the holiday seasons is difficult; they also have volunteer positions available.