World Homeless Day 2020: Date, History and Purpose

World Homeless Day is celebrated on October 10 every year to change the lives of people experiencing homelessness in their local community.

World Homeless Day: History

The concept of 'World Homeless Day' emerged from online discussions between people working to respond to homelessness from various parts of the world.

The Inaugural World Homeless Day was marked on the 10th of October 2010.

Since its founding, World Homeless Day has been observed on every continent except Antarctica, in several dozen countries.

The use of the idea of 'World Homeless Day' is open for all to use... anywhere in the world.

Purpose of World Homeless Day

The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to homeless people’s needs locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness while taking advantage of the stage an ‘international day’ provides.

How To Make a Difference

educate people about homeless issues
celebrate and support local good works
highlight local issues

Collaborate & Double Your Impact

Once you identify the local service provider for homeless people you want to rally support behind…. for example if they suggest clean socks; or canned food; or an item they need funds to buy…. use your local networks to rally even greater support:

schools
churches
service clubs
local businesses
where you work
who else?

World Homeless Day is something you can point to on the calendar each year and use to make a significant difference in your local community.

Reference: http://www.worldhomelessday.org