On any given night, nearly 1 million people experience homelessness in the United States.
More than 30 percent of them are families with children, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless. And nearly 1 out of every 3 homeless men is a veteran.
Some undoubtedly find themselves at America’s truckstops and travel plazas as they seek food, shelter and transportation.
As businesses that cater to the traveling public and support local communities, truckstops and travel plazas are in a unique position to help those who may be experiencing homelessness.
During National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week — Nov. 12-20 — truckstops and travel plazas across America are encouraged to renew their commitment to helping the homeless by training their employees in how to assist someone in your location who may be without resources.
The NATSO Foundation earlier this year launched an online training course titled, “How Truckstops Help the Homeless” to help truckstop owners, operators and their employees understand homelessness in their communities and learn how they can best help someone who may be experiencing homelessness.
Whether it’s providing food, transportation or shelter or advocating for better resources for the homeless, truckstops have an important role to play.
This online training, which is available free of charge to any member of the travel plaza and truckstop community regardless of NATSO membership — will educate industry employees about the causes of homelessness, dispel stereotypes, as well as provide actionable steps that truckstops and travel plazas can take to help someone in their location who may be experiencing homelessness.
Truckstops and travel plazas find themselves called upon to help people each and every day of the year.
But as we enter into the season of giving, there’s no better time to renew that focus.
To access “How Truckstops Help the Homeless,” click here.
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