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Franklin County Draws Attention To Hunger, Homelessness In Local Communities

Community Connections

November 12, 2026

Pictured (from left): Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery, Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst, Housing Specialist Jennifer Hutchinson, Housing Programs Specialist Misty Conner and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed the week of Nov. 15-21, 2026, to be Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are encouraging residents to gain a better understanding of the many reasons why people are hungry and homeless and how community support can make a difference.

“November reminds us of warm gatherings at home, a comfort many Americans – including some in our own community – don’t share,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Food and shelter are basic needs, and Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week highlights the challenges our neighbors face and ways we can help.”

A number of factors have contributed to an increase in hunger and homelessness across the country. The rising costs of everyday basic services and goods, stagnant wages and the end of pandemic-era aid like rental assistance have resulted in a critical shortage of affordable housing and strained household budgets, increasing living expenses and leaving less money for food.

As of September, more than 19,000 Franklin County residents are receiving food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Local food pantries and other organizations serve approximately 3,700 individuals each month. Nationally, nearly 50 million Americans live in food-insecure households.

Homelessness is also present in Franklin County, and the number of unsheltered individuals continues to grow, as evidenced through the county’s 2026 seasonal Point In Time (PIT) homeless counts. A PIT homeless count, conducted locally by Franklin County’s Community Connections staff and coordinated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is a single-night census of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in a community. Data from the survey is used to track trends and inform federal funding and policy for homelessness initiatives.

Franklin County’s 2026 winter PIT count identified 102 individuals experiencing housing insecurity, which included 27 unsheltered persons compared to 20 in 2025 and 11 in 2024. The summer survey also showed an upward trend. Seventy-five individuals were counted as housing insecure; of that figure, 39 were unsheltered, up from 27 in 2025 and 22 in 2024. Nationally, nearly 746,000 Americans are estimated to be homeless on any given night.

By recognizing Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, the Franklin County Commissioners are encouraging community support for those experiencing hunger and homelessness as well as for homeless assistance and prevention programs, rapid rehousing and community support services through acts of volunteerism and donations.

A number of organizations across Franklin County are committed to sheltering and providing supportive services as well as meals and food supplies to those experiencing homelessness. South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP), Waynesboro Community and Human Services, New Hope Shelter, Women in Need and the Salvation Army are just some of the many nonprofit organizations available to local residents. Healthy Franklin County provides a list of resources, including emergency food locations, on its website, healthyfranklincounty.org.

Information on services and resources are also available by contacting the Franklin County Community Connections Housing Access Center at 717-261-3893, the Franklin County Human Services Resources office at 717-261-2561 or by calling or texting PA 211.