HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — One Huntsville group is rallying together to make sure people are fed during the pandemic. The Underground Protest held their first-ever 'Community Action Food Drive' Saturday.
Dozens spent the afternoon at Big Spring Park under the gazebo assembling hot dogs and hygiene items.
"We see a lot of homeless people come up to us and ask us about stuff like this," says Underground Protest Community Outreach Lead, Precious Briggs.
Briggs spearheaded the food drive and says she and the organization are answering the call. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 460 people are homeless on a given night in the Huntsville and North Alabama area.
Briggs says they've seen an increase in homelessness. "Unfortunately the city is growing, but even with the city growing I'm seeing more and more homeless people out in the street which is unfortunate. And we are seeing more people become homeless due to the pandemic," she says.
Canned goods and non-perishable items were donated from local churches and individuals. Toiletries were also donated which include deodorant, toothpaste, lotion, and sanitary napkins.
Organizer Remus Bowden also says about two hundred hot dogs were prepared. "When we're out here petitioning the city, and the city officials and our government officials for equality and equitable experience here, we keep in mind also that there are people who are being marginalized and who are not being fed or taken care of," he says.
Leaders say these items will be donated to people living in 'Tent City' and also to the Salvation Army.
"We're just trying to do our part, of not only being seen as a group that protests but also seen as a group that helps the community as well," added Briggs.
Organizers say they plan to host another food drive in the next two to three weeks.