For some reason, our American society has become increasingly apathetic to the great level of hunger and homelessness present throughout the globe. Everybody knows that hungry people exist, but no one seems to ask, “Why?” or “What can I do about it?” Homelessness hits a little closer to home, but its brutal scope is still seen by few. Everyone knows that inequalities exist in our world, but many might be amazed at how thoroughly ugly the reality is.

How does it make you feel that hunger afflicts 793 million people worldwide, including 31 million in the U.S. and 160 million children? Or what about the fact that 1.2 million U.S. households live in housing with significant physical problems, which cause burns, diseases, deaths, injuries, homelessness (41,000 to 107,000 every night), and stunted growth to thousands of children every year? In the world today, one billion people lack proper shelter and 1.3 billion live on less than $1 a day. In the “wealthy” U.S., 36 million live below the poverty line, 40 percent of whom are children. In the past 20 years, 1.3 million low-rent units left the market while renters in need increased by 3.2 million. Every day 24,000 people die from hunger and related diseases. Actually die! That leads to about 8.76 million people every year who die from preventable causes, things we take for granted and things that could be avoided.

The reasons for hunger and homelessness don’t stem from inadequate production, but rather from inequality of access. 125 million children don’t receive education, even more never become literate. In every country, being a minority puts strong restrictions on the aid one can receive, setting back many women and minorities, especially indigenous peoples. In Minnesota, 32 percent of the ever-increasing homeless adults have been professionally diagnosed as mentally disabled and 60 percent are minorities and women. Access to basic resources is also a problem as large companies take land and crops from individuals. Many countries could make great strides in fighting hunger and homelessness if wealthy countries decreased their sanctions or debt demands. The ravages of war also contribute to the problems discussed, especially in respect to the large numbers of refugees.

All of these factors produce many reasons for such blatant examples of hunger’s existence. It also allows an easy way for everyone to help, since it encompasses so many outlets for involvement. Don’t be afraid to ask why, or to try to alleviate the problem. There is no reason for the amount of inhumane housing and hunger. It’s a question of how much you care. It’s a question of how much it bothers you when millions of images abound that show month-old babies crying with more hurt and fear and need than one could think humans capable of.

Please acknowledge all the preventable pain and suffering occurring in our midst. Give yourself the opportunity to attend some of the activities during Hunger and Homelessness Week. Join in a panel discussion, the Hunger Banquet, Oxfam Fast, or sign up to involve yourself in a cause regularly. Feeling sorry for those in substandard living is not enough! It’s necessary to develop an understanding of the scope of our world’s unjust situation and then do something about it. Colleges are supposed to be the seedbeds of activism, so go out and get involved! Keep in mind Margaret Mead’s words, “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”

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