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National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month
November is National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month — a time to reflect, educate, and take action on the pressing issues affecting millions across the country. As communities face rising challenges around food insecurity and housing instability, this month offers an opportunity to shine a light on the realities many individuals and families endure daily.
According to recent data from USDA Economic Research Service and US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) :
- Over 44 million people in the US experience food insecurity each year.
- More than 580,000 individuals face homelessness on any given night.
These challenges are closely linked to health outcomes. Lack of stable housing and nutritious food can lead to chronic illness, mental health struggles, and barriers to accessing care.
Our HealthStreet Needs Assessment data found that among the nearly 14,000 people who answered the question, 47% reported a history of food insecurity, which is higher than the 39% reported across the United States. Men and women from 45 to 64 years of age have the highest prevalence of food insecurity at 57% and 56% respectively. Similarly, there were few differences between men and women in the other age categories.
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UF HealthStreet Accepting Food Donations
The H.O.P.E. Food Pantry at UF HealthStreet is in urgent need of donations to help meet this growing demand. Non-perishable, low to no sodium food items, hygiene products, and shelf-stable goods are appreciated. Every contribution helps ensure that no one in our community goes without essential resources. The food pantry, established in June 2024, has served 7,535 households and distributed 38.63 tons of food to UF HealthStreet community members since its inception. Additionally, the H.O.P.E. Food Pantry at UF HealthStreet is now the only clinic site in Gainesville with a “Healthy Pantry” designation.
Help us grow the impact of the H.O.P.E. Food Pantry. Your support—whether through donations or partnerships—directly enhances our ability to provide healthier food options and fight hunger in our community. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community. For more information on how you can make a difference please contact UF HealthStreet at 352-294-4880.
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Our Community, Our Health Town Hall - NDEWS Webinar - Gambling-Related Issues
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UF HealthStreet's latest Our Community, Our Health Town Hall is set to take place Thursday, November 20, at 2 p.m. ET. Join the Kindbridge team for an in-depth look at Florida's Playwise program, a statewide initiative providing gambling helpline services, responsible gambling education, and culturally responsive community outreach. Our expert panel includes Dr. Nathan D. Smith (Director of Research, Kindbridge Research Institute), Dr. Daniel Kaufmann (Director of Gaming Services, Kindbridge Behavioral Health), Kaitlyn McCreless (Playwise Project Manager), and Matthew Langford (Community Outreach Specialist). They'll discuss clinical approaches to gambling harm, prevention strategies across Florida's diverse communities, innovative outreach methods, and how Playwise serves unique populations including veterans. Whether you're a researcher, clinician, public health professional, or community stakeholder, this session offers practical insights and evidence-based strategies for addressing gambling harm. Q&A to follow.
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November HealthStreet Award
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"Through volunteering at HealthStreet, I have gained unique insight into the health and social needs of North Central Florida. I am proud to part of the team that makes research more accessible to everyone to improve well-being for all." - Hannah McCartney
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UF HealthStreet Hosts Health Fair
On Monday, November 17, UF HealthStreet welcomed community members to a Health Fair designed to connect individuals with valuable local resources. The event brought together over 10 partner organizations, each sharing information about services that can support our members.
HealthStreet community members attended, engaging with representatives, asking questions, and learning about programs that may benefit them and their families. Events like these reflect HealthStreet’s mission to reduce health disparities by linking people to social and medical services.
We extend our gratitude to all participating organizations and to the community members who joined us. Together, we are building stronger connections for a healthier Gainesville.
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Research Study Opportunities
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If you are interested in hearing about these or other studies, HealthStreet community health workers can navigate you to a study coordinator. They can be reached at 352-294-4880. |
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The Pantry Gourmet
Welcome to "The Pantry Gourmet!" Discover quick and easy recipes made with quality items community members can likely find in HealthStreet's food pantry! |
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Sweet Potato Burrito
Switch up your normal burrito and add some spice with sweet potato for a nutritious and delicious meal. Perfect for the fall season when sweet potatoes are in full swing!
Ingredients: - 2 sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)(about 3 cups)
1/4 cup salsa
1 tablespoon oil (canola, olive, or vegetable)
1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
6 (8 inch) whole wheat tortillas
3/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby, pepper jack)
Instructions:
- Put sweet potatoes in a medium sized saucepan. Cover with water and cover with a lid. Heat over high until boiling. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Drain water from sweet potatoes and place them in a medium bowl. Add salsa and mash sweet potatoes with a fork.
- Add oil to the saucepan and heat over medium. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Add black beans and heat for 3 minutes more. Stir sweet potatoes into the beans and onion until combined.
- Spread 1/2 cup sweet potato mixture onto each tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons shredded cheese and any other ingredients desired. Enjoy!
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Community Events at HealthStreet
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HOPE Food Pantry
Available to our members facing food insecurity, and can be accessed by members once per week. Located at our building off of Old Archer Road.
Mondays & Thursdays Noon - 4 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays
& Fridays
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Saving Smiles Clinic
Saving Smiles promotes children’s oral health by offering free, on-site, preventive and limited dental care through collaboration with community partners.
Wednesday,
November 19
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday, November 21
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
By Appointment Only
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Al-Anon
Group
Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of problem drinking.
Thursdays
Noon - 1 p.m.
(Hybrid Meeting Link)
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Tobacco Cessation Classes
The University of Florida AHEC Program, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida, offers FREE Group Quit classes with in-person and online options to help you quit. Each group is led by a tobacco treatment specialist who helps you develop a quit plan, identify triggers, and brainstorm coping strategies.
Monday, November 27
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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EAC Ophthalmology Clinic
The clinic offers eye exams for adults with vision problems, eye exams after a failed vision screening, free and discounted glasses. Appointments are required for this clinic so if you are interested please call us at (352) 580-0393 at least two days prior to the date of the event.
Tuesday, December 2
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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HealthScreen at HealthStreet
The community-based initiative offers free health screenings for community members at greatest risk for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Don't wait—join us at UF HealthStreet or find us at one of our outreach events and receive your free assessment!
Mondays & Thursdays
10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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For a list of all of our upcoming community events and outreach locations view our calendar here.
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NARCAN® Saves Lives
Narcan Nasal Spray may counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Since most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, it was developed for family, friends, and caregivers - with no medical training required.
HealthStreet has distributed 4,344 NARCAN® kits—8,680 total units—starting June 1, 2024.
HealthStreet has partnered with Florida Department of Children and Families to distribute NARCAN® in our community. Call 352-294-4880 today to get your own NARCAN® Nasal Spray at no charge to you.
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Consider Donating to HealthStreet
Together, we can make a difference!
Your donation will directly support essential services and truly make a difference in our community. Every dollar you contribute helps us take steps towards reducing disparities that affect so many.
Just imagine the impact of your generosity: for $25, you can provide 15 personal care items, ensuring dignity and basic hygiene for those in need. With $50, we can purchase 16 daily bus passes to RTS, giving individuals reliable transportation to access vital jobs, healthcare, and services. And with $100, we can fuel the vehicles that our Community Health Workers use with 32 gallons of gasoline, enabling them to reach those in need and provide critical referrals and support.
We are also asking for direct donations of personal care items such as: shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, body wash, shaving kits & cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, floss, pads, tampons, disposable wipes, hairbrushes and diapers.
Another way that you can make an impact in our community is by donating to the HealthStreet Clothing Closet! There is an ongoing need of the following items: men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing, baby clothing.
Clothing and personal care items can be directly donated at our HealthStreet location anytime between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, so we can place these items into the hands of those who need them.
Let’s join forces and create an extraordinary impact together!
Thank you for your kindness!
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