How Day of Dignity Helps
By the Numbers
315 million people live in the U.S.
More than 22% of American children live in poverty
3.5 million people experience homelessness in any given year
(Sources: National Coalition for the Homeless and U.S. government)
Nearly 46 million Americans—including almost 16 million children—live in poverty. According to the U.S. Census Bureau figures, the number of Americans living in poverty rose by 3.8 million between 2008 and 2009, and in 2010 and 2011, 15% of the U.S. population was living in poverty.
Day of Dignity creates an opportunity for caring individuals from diverse communities to provide services to their neighbors in need. Islamic Relief USA brings volunteers around the country together each year to distribute food, clothing, blankets, medical care and other services.
Despite its name, Day of Dignity is not just a one-day event—it is an effort to mobilize communities and establish long-lasting programs that foster the spirit of service and volunteerism all year round. The program serves as a means through which volunteers learn about service projects that they can participate in throughout the year. Most important, Day of Dignity provides beneficiaries with information about important resources available to them for whenever they need them.
Information About Homelessness in the U.S.
- National Alliance to End Homelessness
- National Coalition for the Homeless
- U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
- U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
- Wikipedia page about homelessness in the United States
Read a first-hand account about Day of Dignity 2011 event from Islamic Relief USA’s Nada Shawish by checking out “Taking Love to the Streets,” on IRUSA.org.
Be a Part of the Day of Dignity Movement
Schedule coming soon for 2013
You can participate in Day of Dignity by volunteering to distribute packets to your homeless neighbors; spreading the word about the event—and the movement—to your friends and family; and showing your support by becoming a part of the Islamic Relief USA page on Facebook and by tweeting #dayofdignity13 on Twitter.
To learn more about Day of Dignity, connect with Minkailu Jalloh, IRUSA program coordinator, at mjalloh@irusa.org or 703-236-0423.
Islamic Relief USA accepted proposals for Day of Dignity event sites through April 30. Day of Dignity site coordinators help us provide vital services to low-income and homeless neighbors. Check out the resources below to learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
- Day of Dignity Request for Proposal form
- Day of Dignity Budget Template form
- Day of Dignity Board and Staff Template form
CLICK HERE TO APPLY BY SUBMITTING YOUR LETTER OF INTENT.
