Islamic Relief USA has expanded its annual Humanitarian Day this year to help the homeless in 14 cities across the United States.
Humanitarian Day is an event designed to help local communities in need, especially the homeless. This year, on its fifth anniversary, Humanitarian Day was expected to help around 20,000 people.
Humanitarian Day was launched in 2002 in Los Angeles’ downtown ‘skid row’. Over the years the event has grown in scale and now occurs every Ramadan in partnership with local organisations.
Volunteers
On October 14th - 15th 2006 thousands of volunteers provided essential services to the homeless population in their local neighbourhoods.
Clothes, blankets, hygiene kits, children’s toys and hot meals were distributed over the two days. People also received health screenings, medical check-ups and vaccinations. Community organisations joined in to offer health and social services.
A senior citizen who benefited from Humanitarian Day last year said, "I just lost everything and I'm now trying to pick myself back up. And all this is Godsend. And I appreciate it."
Homeless
Islamic Relief is committed to helping the poor, wherever they are
There are around 3 million homeless men, women and children living in
USA. This figure includes people living in shelters, other temporary
housing and on the streets.
One homeless woman described what Humanitarian Day meant to her. "I
really like it because they made me feel good, they upped my spirits."
Working with the Ilm Foundation in Los Angeles, Islamic Relief also
supports monthly programmes to feed the homeless in the area.
Humanitarian Day exemplifies Islamic Relief's commitment to providing
aid and relief to communities in need, wherever they may be.