Today is “Blog Action Day”, a day for bloggers to come together and write about one issue. Last year, that issue was the environment. This year, the discussion turns to poverty.

According to the United States Department of Health & Human Services, a family of 4 that earns $21,200 or less is considered to live in poverty. Back in 2000, when that number was only $17,463, more than one out of ten Florida residents fell below the poverty line (11.7%). In one of Orlando’s poorest neighborhoods, the child poverty rate was determined to be 73% by the 2000 census.

The City of Orlando’s “Working Committee on Homelessness” published a report stating that “there were no less than 6,300 homeless individuals within our tri-county area (Orange, Osceola, & Seminole Counties), and that there may be an additional 7,300 persons currently ‘at-risk’ of homelessness or inadequately housed in our area.”

While those numbers are sobering news, there is a exciting way to make a difference right here in Orlando through Rock for Hunger.

Rock for Hunger exists to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness through education and uniting the community. Through education for children in low income neighborhoods we strive to end the cycle of generational poverty. By providing linkages to employment, housing, and other services in the community we are going to end homelessness one person at a time through music and peace.

To achieve these goals, Rock For Hunger will hold a concert on November 15th at The Plaza Theatre, with nearly 20 bands scheduled to perform on a set of three stages. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased through Ticketmaster, at The Plaza Theatre, Ten Thousand Villages or Park Ave CD’s.

Complete information can be found on the Rock For Hunger official website, www.rockforhungerfest.org.

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