Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (HHA Week) is a crucial opportunity to address the needs of the millions of Americans facing hunger and homelessness, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. LGBTQIA+ individuals are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to factors like discrimination and rejection. By participating in Dallas Hope Charities’ HHA Week events, you can help provide essential services, raise awareness, and support marginalized individuals in need.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: Humanizing LGBTQIA+ Homelessness November 18th – 23rd, 2024
Hosted by Dallas Hope Charities – Collective Hope Coalition
This year, Dallas Hope Charities is joining the national HHA Week with a focus on Humanizing LGBTQIA+ Homelessness. Our events will educate, engage, and provide direct support to the community. Here’s how you can get involved:
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Ongoing – Donation Drive (Ends Nov 22)
We’re collecting cold-weather essentials like blankets, gloves, scarves, beanies, and pet food to distribute at the Resource Fair on Nov 23. Donate by scheduling a drop-off at chc@dallashopecharities.org.
Monday, November 18 – Coalition Book Club (Hybrid)
Join us for a discussion of Making Room by Carl Siciliano, featuring a live Q&A with the author. RSVP here to attend virtually or in person.
Wednesday, November 20 – Virtual Panel
Advocates and individuals with lived experience will discuss creating inclusive services for LGBTQIA+ individuals facing homelessness. Register here to join the conversation.
Friday, November 22 – Day of Service
Volunteer to help us organize donations and prepare for the Resource Fair. Sign up to volunteer for the Day of Service.
Saturday, November 23 – Resource Fair
We need volunteers to assist with setup, organizing donations, and offering services to LGBTQIA+ individuals. The fair will provide essentials like Worthy Bags, cold-weather items, food, and HIV/STI testing. Sign up to volunteer and make a difference!
WHY IT MATTERS
HHA Week raises awareness about the pressing issues of hunger and homelessness, especially among LGBTQIA+ individuals. Your participation in our events directly supports marginalized people, offering them dignity, resources, and hope. Join us in making a tangible impact.
For more information or to get involved, please contact chc@dallashopecharities.org.
© 2026 | Dallas Hope Charities
With over seven years of experience as a civil engineer, Hector Pietro designs roadways, pedestrian and bike facilities, and stormwater systems that support safety, economic development, and sustainability in the community. In 2024, he was selected to join the Communities Foundation of Texas’s Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy Cohort, which inspired him to pursue a deeper impact in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Hector felt compelled to join an organization dedicated to providing food, shelter, and affirming services to LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness. The mission of Dallas Hope Charities—instilling dignity, stability, and hope—immediately resonated, and he knew he had to be part of it.
Impact and Passion
Hector is excited to serve on the Dallas Hope Charities Board of Directors alongside a group of passionate leaders with deep experience expanding the organization’s reach to LGBTQIA+ youth. He thrives in spaces filled with accomplished, driven individuals and was drawn to the board after reviewing data on DHC’s community impact. He firmly believes that loving those in need while they are learning to love themselves is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen a community.
Fun and Personal Touch
Hector taught himself to decorate sugar cookies using royal icing by watching TikTok videos—and has since become quite skilled, considering each one a miniature, edible work of art.
Favorite Quote: “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
He hopes to see the Hope Center’s capacity expand and believes that can happen by increasing community awareness about the urgent need for DHC’s services—ultimately inspiring more donors and volunteers to take action. Grateful for the opportunity to serve, Hector is motivated to help drive that growth.
