THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 2010.
The economic growth rate, which stands at 3%, is predicted to fall below 2% by the middle of the year, according to Wells Fargo estimates. Consumer spending is on the decline, and economic growth will be dependent on the private sector. The Labor Department reported last Thursday that first-time unemployment benefit claims has increased by 22,000, to the rate of 495,000. The 4 week average is 30,000.
The numbers don't lie, these are tough times in the job market. Blame is being placed for the higher claims on the recent snowstorms, causing a back log of claims. However, these higher claims mean that the unemployment rate, which hovers around 10 percent, likely rose in February. The snowstorms may have cost up to 100,000 jobs. This rise is no shock to the country, as devastation seems to be the adjective to describe the past several years of our economy.
More job layoffs mean less money for consumer spending. The economic rebound does not look like a slam dunk for this year. While we can not affect immediate change on the economy, we can continue to unite in this fight. Families are forced to dig deep in their pockets to fight hunger, many new to this struggle due to the recent snowstorms.
Let's remember to keep our heads up and help those in need. The Hunger Network looks forward to our 22nd Annual Majestic Steel Walk for Hunger, which is a key fundraiser in stopping hunger in the Greater Cleveland area. Please find ways to help in our community and mark May 8th in your calendars for the Walk!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Kick-Off the Walk
February 9th, 2010. ATTENTION Clevelanders! The Majestic Steel Walk for Hunger is only 3 months away! But why wait 3 months to celebrate a community effort to stop hunger? Mark your calenders now and come join us KICK-OFF the walk on Wednesday, March 3rd at the Hard Rock Cafe (Tower City Center, 230 West Huron Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113). Treat yourselves to some FREE appetizers, soft drinks, and prizes and learn tips on how to lead your teams.
If you have not already done so, get yourselves registered for the Walk for Hunger. What an awesome way to support our community to help in the fight against hunger. Call us at 216-619-8155 ext. 18 or register online through our website. Bet you can do it in under 2 minutes :)
Can't walk? Volunteer! Volunteer as a route guide, pass out water at mid-points, join our Burke Harbor setup and clean up crews, or distribute breakfast and lunch. OR if you have a special talent, sign up as entertainment for the walk participants!
We genuinely appreciate your efforts in helping to support the Walk, the Hunger Network, and the community. Thank you for your assistance in pursuing our mission to feed the hungry families of the Greater Cleveland area! Hope to see you all at the Kick-Off celebration!
If you have not already done so, get yourselves registered for the Walk for Hunger. What an awesome way to support our community to help in the fight against hunger. Call us at 216-619-8155 ext. 18 or register online through our website. Bet you can do it in under 2 minutes :)
Can't walk? Volunteer! Volunteer as a route guide, pass out water at mid-points, join our Burke Harbor setup and clean up crews, or distribute breakfast and lunch. OR if you have a special talent, sign up as entertainment for the walk participants!
We genuinely appreciate your efforts in helping to support the Walk, the Hunger Network, and the community. Thank you for your assistance in pursuing our mission to feed the hungry families of the Greater Cleveland area! Hope to see you all at the Kick-Off celebration!
Fight Against Hunger Perseveres in 2010
February 9th, 2010. As we commence 2010, the "Great Recession" continues to affect American families. Unemployment lingers around 10 percent, despite hopeful predictions of a decrease. 7 million jobs have been lost over the course of this economic crisis, beginning in December of 2007.
The Hunger Network is helping more families than ever before, a sign of the growing number of families in need of food. A recent visit to the Parma Hunger Center reinforced the predictions of the growing hunger rate, and at the same time demonstrated the strength of the community. Parma Hunger Center's Volunteer Manager, Arch Stevenson, shared with us that his hunger center provided meals to 27.5 percent more families in 2009 than the previous year, while 2008 numbers were 25 percent higher than 2007. Arch estimates an even higher increase for this year. He believes this based on to reasons: one, the community is still suffering job loss and two, the wall of fear families put up in asking for help is coming down. Some families wait until their kitchens are completely empty, Stevenson tells, before reaching out for help. But they have no choice other than to turn to the Hunger Center, where they are welcomed with open arms.
The Parma community shows endless support with food donations coming in constantly from the area food drives and the help of many volunteers. The Parma Hunger Center is a truly wonderful example of the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland's mission, which is to serve and help as many people as possible. The volunteers do an amazing job at orchestrating the flow of food in and out of the center into the hands of families in need.
Although the fight against hunger perseveres, the community is still at work. But this fight needs to be fought harder and stronger than ever! Please, donate what you can whether it be your time or directly to a hunger center. The community must continue to unite and stop hunger in its tracks!
The Hunger Network is helping more families than ever before, a sign of the growing number of families in need of food. A recent visit to the Parma Hunger Center reinforced the predictions of the growing hunger rate, and at the same time demonstrated the strength of the community. Parma Hunger Center's Volunteer Manager, Arch Stevenson, shared with us that his hunger center provided meals to 27.5 percent more families in 2009 than the previous year, while 2008 numbers were 25 percent higher than 2007. Arch estimates an even higher increase for this year. He believes this based on to reasons: one, the community is still suffering job loss and two, the wall of fear families put up in asking for help is coming down. Some families wait until their kitchens are completely empty, Stevenson tells, before reaching out for help. But they have no choice other than to turn to the Hunger Center, where they are welcomed with open arms.
The Parma community shows endless support with food donations coming in constantly from the area food drives and the help of many volunteers. The Parma Hunger Center is a truly wonderful example of the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland's mission, which is to serve and help as many people as possible. The volunteers do an amazing job at orchestrating the flow of food in and out of the center into the hands of families in need.
Although the fight against hunger perseveres, the community is still at work. But this fight needs to be fought harder and stronger than ever! Please, donate what you can whether it be your time or directly to a hunger center. The community must continue to unite and stop hunger in its tracks!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Holiday Food Drive
12/17/2009. The chilly Cleveland weather surely indicates that the holiday season is here. This time of the year is best shared with family and friends as celebrations of all kinds take place and we treat ourselves to the holiday cheer.
Unfortunately for some Clevelanders, the holiday season brings on more anxiety than cheer. Rather than dreaming of the seasonal festivities, the unfortunate are struggling to come up with ways to pay the heating bills during these cold winter months ahead and how to put food on the table. It is no secret that this year the job market remains very restrictive. Even over-qualified applicants are experiencing the turmoil in finding a job. In times like these, it is important to come together as a community and help those in need.
The Hunger Network's Holiday Drive is taking place now through January 31. All we ask is if you can help, please do. Even a little bit goes a long way as the Hunger Network is able to provide 4 nutritionally balanced meals for $1. Our goal this year is to raise more than $500,000 to feed hungry children and families during the holiday season and winter months. Do the math...that's 2 million meals! 2 million meals feeds a whole bunch of hungry stomachs.
Children are an essential aspect of the holiday spirit, and it is our obligation to provide them with the best we can. No child deserves to go cold or hungry this winter. Over half of the people we feed are children, who remain helpless in this economic recession.
Again, all we request is that you give what you can. There are many ways to donate, whether it be hosting a Hunger Network food and/or fund drive, donating at our website, or even making a donation to the Hunger Network in the name of a special individual as a holiday gift. We must unite as a community in the fight against hunger this holiday season!
Unfortunately for some Clevelanders, the holiday season brings on more anxiety than cheer. Rather than dreaming of the seasonal festivities, the unfortunate are struggling to come up with ways to pay the heating bills during these cold winter months ahead and how to put food on the table. It is no secret that this year the job market remains very restrictive. Even over-qualified applicants are experiencing the turmoil in finding a job. In times like these, it is important to come together as a community and help those in need.
The Hunger Network's Holiday Drive is taking place now through January 31. All we ask is if you can help, please do. Even a little bit goes a long way as the Hunger Network is able to provide 4 nutritionally balanced meals for $1. Our goal this year is to raise more than $500,000 to feed hungry children and families during the holiday season and winter months. Do the math...that's 2 million meals! 2 million meals feeds a whole bunch of hungry stomachs.
Children are an essential aspect of the holiday spirit, and it is our obligation to provide them with the best we can. No child deserves to go cold or hungry this winter. Over half of the people we feed are children, who remain helpless in this economic recession.
Again, all we request is that you give what you can. There are many ways to donate, whether it be hosting a Hunger Network food and/or fund drive, donating at our website, or even making a donation to the Hunger Network in the name of a special individual as a holiday gift. We must unite as a community in the fight against hunger this holiday season!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Household Hunger on the Rise
Today is Thursday, November 19th. Hunger in U.S. households has quickly evolved into an epidemic in this economic crisis. The number of housholds struggling to feed their families has increased from 4 million to 17 million, a true reflection of recession-driven job losses within the past year. The cycle of layoffs, increased poverty, and unemployment ultimately results in household hunger increases of nearly 30% from 2008. This is a point of major concern, for some families no longer have the luxury of providing well-balanced meals and focus on merely putting food in their stomachs. These households are starving for work, for money, and for food.
Reports from November 16, 2009 on household food shortages show that this amounts to 14.6% of the population, or about 49 million people. The USDA classifies these suffering households as having "food insecurity" which means they do not have enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. According to The Plain Dealer, two-thirds of a group of people used to conduct phone interviews shared that they have very low food security and often go hungry. Even more devastationg, 27% admitted that some days thay eat nothing at all.
According to Mark Nord with the USDA's economic research service, numbers are likely to increase next year. Another shocking statistic is that almost one in four children in our country live on the brink of hunger. The president of Feeding America, Vickie Escarra, said,"The escalating unemployment rate and the number of working-poor lead us to believe that the number of people facing hunger will continue to rise significantly over the coming year. Research on previous economic recessions indicates that people who fall into the grips of poverty in a time of recession do not recover financially."
The reality is that in order to lower these numbers it is going to take a concentrated effort. This country as a whole needs to make a major commitment to fighting hunger. But in order to put a dent in these statistics, a focus needs to be taken within our community. Every little bit helps, and this is what the Hunger Network is here to prove. We are the liaison between your assistance and the hungry people of Greater Cleveland. The face of hunger may be your neighbor, your mail-person, a relative, or even you.
The point is, hunger does not discriminate. All we ask is that you give what you can in this time of need and most especially during the holiday season. For some families, Thanksgiving dinner is not about the turkey but about having something to offer at the dinner table. Help give these hungry families a Thanksgiving meal that they will be undoubtedly thankful for. Donate today!
Reports from November 16, 2009 on household food shortages show that this amounts to 14.6% of the population, or about 49 million people. The USDA classifies these suffering households as having "food insecurity" which means they do not have enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. According to The Plain Dealer, two-thirds of a group of people used to conduct phone interviews shared that they have very low food security and often go hungry. Even more devastationg, 27% admitted that some days thay eat nothing at all.
According to Mark Nord with the USDA's economic research service, numbers are likely to increase next year. Another shocking statistic is that almost one in four children in our country live on the brink of hunger. The president of Feeding America, Vickie Escarra, said,"The escalating unemployment rate and the number of working-poor lead us to believe that the number of people facing hunger will continue to rise significantly over the coming year. Research on previous economic recessions indicates that people who fall into the grips of poverty in a time of recession do not recover financially."
The reality is that in order to lower these numbers it is going to take a concentrated effort. This country as a whole needs to make a major commitment to fighting hunger. But in order to put a dent in these statistics, a focus needs to be taken within our community. Every little bit helps, and this is what the Hunger Network is here to prove. We are the liaison between your assistance and the hungry people of Greater Cleveland. The face of hunger may be your neighbor, your mail-person, a relative, or even you.
The point is, hunger does not discriminate. All we ask is that you give what you can in this time of need and most especially during the holiday season. For some families, Thanksgiving dinner is not about the turkey but about having something to offer at the dinner table. Help give these hungry families a Thanksgiving meal that they will be undoubtedly thankful for. Donate today!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Helping those that have served for our country
Today is Thursday, October 29th. I met 2 extraordinary men who depend on the Hunger Network for food. Why are these men extraordinary? Because they have both served our country as a member of the military... One just got back from Iraq and the other is a Vietnam War veteran.
Joel is 32 years old and has 12 years of military service. He is currently in the Army Reserved. Back in 2006 he was deployed to Iraq for 16 months. When he returned home toward the end of 2007, he found himself with out a job and a family to support. Joel has spent the last 2 years looking for work in security or really anything because he needs a job. He has gone on lots of interviews and filled out hundreds of application but is never chosen for the position. Kellie his fiance was only able to find a part time job. Not knowing what else to do and with small children to feed, they turned to the Hunger Network for help. Without the help of the Hunger Network... Joel says it is not about feeding himself because he could go without.... it is about feeding his children.
Roger is a 62 year old Vietnam War Veteran with service with the US Navy. He served 6 months in Vietnam before he was injured. Once he returned home and for the last 30 year or so, Roger worked in security and did some factory work. Following his wife and father's deaths in the last few year... He took in his 88 year old mother. About 3 years ago... Roger's health took a turn for the worst and now he is unable to work at all. Roger now lives on a fixed income and after rent and utilities... he doesn't have enough money for food for him and his mother. He also turned to the Hunger Network for help. Roger says that the volunteers at the hunger center are so nice and he is thankful every day for the help.
Hearing these 2 stories for the first time this morning, makes me understand even more how important the work of the Hunger Network is because if anyone should receive help... it is those in the military.... just like we depended on them... they depend on us!
Joel is 32 years old and has 12 years of military service. He is currently in the Army Reserved. Back in 2006 he was deployed to Iraq for 16 months. When he returned home toward the end of 2007, he found himself with out a job and a family to support. Joel has spent the last 2 years looking for work in security or really anything because he needs a job. He has gone on lots of interviews and filled out hundreds of application but is never chosen for the position. Kellie his fiance was only able to find a part time job. Not knowing what else to do and with small children to feed, they turned to the Hunger Network for help. Without the help of the Hunger Network... Joel says it is not about feeding himself because he could go without.... it is about feeding his children.
Roger is a 62 year old Vietnam War Veteran with service with the US Navy. He served 6 months in Vietnam before he was injured. Once he returned home and for the last 30 year or so, Roger worked in security and did some factory work. Following his wife and father's deaths in the last few year... He took in his 88 year old mother. About 3 years ago... Roger's health took a turn for the worst and now he is unable to work at all. Roger now lives on a fixed income and after rent and utilities... he doesn't have enough money for food for him and his mother. He also turned to the Hunger Network for help. Roger says that the volunteers at the hunger center are so nice and he is thankful every day for the help.
Hearing these 2 stories for the first time this morning, makes me understand even more how important the work of the Hunger Network is because if anyone should receive help... it is those in the military.... just like we depended on them... they depend on us!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
It can happen to anyone!
Today we spoke with people in need at the Hunger Network's Parma Hunger Center. The Parma area has been hit very hard with the jobs losses in the auto industry and more. In fact the Parma Hunger center is providing food to 40% more individuals in 2009 then in 2008... That is just incredible.
Of the 8 people we spoke with today 7 of them have lost their jobs in the last year. These are hard working people that never thought they would end up needing help. Two stories in particular were very heart breaking.
Joann is a woman in her late 40s/early 50s. Her husband passed away when her 2 daughters were very young. She was determined to survive and worked 2 jobs to put herself through school and both of her daughters through college. She succeed at all of those things including providing her family with a respectable 4 bedroom home and living a typical middle class life. She has spent last several years in the medical research field. Then in the winter of 2009 her nightmare began. The research she was working was shut down and Joann found herself without a job. Unable to keep up with her mortgage, her house is currently for sale. Joann has done everything she can think of to find a job... She is working with headhunters and has sent out over 500 resumes. Everyone tells her that she has too much experience for them to hire her. Running out of options, she has turned to the Hunger Network for help.
Gary is 49 year old divorced man with a 24 year old child. He has an engineering degree and has worked as a mechanical engineer. Gary has been working since he was 16. He recalls having money taken out of his paychecks to help charities. Just over one year ago, Gary was laid off for the first time in his life. Gary has tried everything to find a job but he also told that he has too much experience. Gary tells them he is will to work for anything just to survive. He currently spends 4-5 hours every day trying to find a job. Gary worries that he only has another month in his apartment. With his unemployment not enough to cover rent, utilities and food... He turned to the Hunger Network of help.
Joann and Gary are not alone... so many people in the greater Cleveland area are suffering. We need your help. Please consider making a donation to the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland
Of the 8 people we spoke with today 7 of them have lost their jobs in the last year. These are hard working people that never thought they would end up needing help. Two stories in particular were very heart breaking.
Joann is a woman in her late 40s/early 50s. Her husband passed away when her 2 daughters were very young. She was determined to survive and worked 2 jobs to put herself through school and both of her daughters through college. She succeed at all of those things including providing her family with a respectable 4 bedroom home and living a typical middle class life. She has spent last several years in the medical research field. Then in the winter of 2009 her nightmare began. The research she was working was shut down and Joann found herself without a job. Unable to keep up with her mortgage, her house is currently for sale. Joann has done everything she can think of to find a job... She is working with headhunters and has sent out over 500 resumes. Everyone tells her that she has too much experience for them to hire her. Running out of options, she has turned to the Hunger Network for help.
Gary is 49 year old divorced man with a 24 year old child. He has an engineering degree and has worked as a mechanical engineer. Gary has been working since he was 16. He recalls having money taken out of his paychecks to help charities. Just over one year ago, Gary was laid off for the first time in his life. Gary has tried everything to find a job but he also told that he has too much experience. Gary tells them he is will to work for anything just to survive. He currently spends 4-5 hours every day trying to find a job. Gary worries that he only has another month in his apartment. With his unemployment not enough to cover rent, utilities and food... He turned to the Hunger Network of help.
Joann and Gary are not alone... so many people in the greater Cleveland area are suffering. We need your help. Please consider making a donation to the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
