CADILLAC — November is National Homeless Awareness Month, and local organizations are joining forces to highlight the issue and support those in need.
Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency is inviting the public to take part in its annual Homeless Awareness Walk on Nov. 6.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the New Hope Center and ends at the Cadillac Commons Market, where booths will offer educational materials and resources for those experiencing homelessness.
The walk aims to bring attention to homelessness in rural areas, which organizers say is often overlooked.
Nichole Johnson with the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency said the problem is growing both locally and nationally.
“In 2022, our region experienced the highest increase in homelessness,” Johnson said. “That’s not saying we have the highest population in the whole state of Michigan. It’s saying that we experienced the highest increase, with a 56% increase in the state of Michigan. This is a growing problem. The whole nation is experiencing lack of affordable housing. So this is not just a local problem, it’s a nationwide problem.”
The event is part of a monthlong effort to educate the community and connect people with housing support and other services.