On any given day in Chester County, 625 people experience homelessness, 70,000 people are food insecure, and 13,000 children go to bed hungry. A local group is organizing an effort to fight poverty.

Beginning on Nov. 14, there will be a county-wide observance of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Faith communities, schools, service organizations, local businesses and corporations are joining forces to bring awareness about hunger and homelessness in the community. 

The initiative begins on Nov. 14 with an event at the Charles A. Melton Center in West Chester from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A West Chester University sleep-out takes place at the university from 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 to 6 a.m. on Nov. 16.

On Nov. 17, there will be an interfaith prayer vigil at the CYWA in Coatesville from 4 to 5 p.m.

Nov. 18 has been dubbed "Meaningful Monday," with a percentage of food tabs from participating restaurants being donated to area food cupboards and shelters. Nov. 19 is "Get it Done Day," with an event at the Charles Melton Center in West Chester from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A Walk for Hunger is being organized by Activate Chester County at noon on Nov. 20. On Nov. 21, a Decade to Doorways Community Partnership event is planned at the Chester County Historical Society. This final event is by invitation only.

For more information about the activities during the week, e-mail [email protected], or find the Chester County National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week on Facebook.