Stamping Out Homelessness and Hunger - A Thanksgiving Pledge from the Oneida Indian Nation and HELP USA

NEW YORK and ONEIDA NATION HOMELANDS, Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Oneida Indian Nation, the first ally of the United States, and HELP USA, one of the nation's leading homeless advocacy organizations, today announced a strategic partnership leveraging these powerful organizations in the spirit of unity and giving. HELP USA and the Oneida Indian Nation will join forces and pledge to support all who live in America who are fearful of job and home loss, and empower them with resources to reclaim their lives. Both resolve that no person should go hungry or without a home.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101108/NY96599 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101108/NY96599 )

The challenges of homelessness and hunger that people face today bring a sense of urgency to HELP USA's mission and the symbolic significance surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday. The Oneida Indian Nation approached HELP USA with this joint effort to feed hundreds of homeless New Yorkers for the holidays, as well as support the American Indian Empowerment Fund, reinvigorating the culture and legacy of native people helping others. Integral to this agreement is a commitment by both parties to rediscover the origin and spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, which dates back to native people providing this country's first newcomers with food and shelter.  This joint initiative will also serve as a reminder to all people of the spirit of service, generosity and compassion in the face of adversity all year long. Both groups have devoted substantial resources to fulfill the mission of giving and sharing in order to help put food on the table for the holiday and beyond.

"By partnering with HELP USA we are creating an opportunity to help all who live in America regain strength and pride," said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and CEO of Nation Enterprises. "Capitalizing on this partnership, we hope to deliver and inspire the true spirit of giving back, the essence of our heritage."

"We are thrilled to have the Oneida Indian Nation as a partner in giving thanks and giving back," said Maria Cuomo Cole, Chair of the Board for HELP USA. "Together, we will work to serve hope to families and highlight the devastation our country is currently facing."

The partnership between the Oneida Indian Nation and HELP USA introduces the "Our Heritage of HELPing" campaign. Joined by more than a dozen celebrities and chefs, including Daniella Alonso (Actress),  Harry Belafonte (Singer), Contessa Brewer (MSNBC), Mario Cantone (Actor, Comedian), Amy Carlson (Blue Bloods), Jill Flint (Royal Pains), Lauren Glassberg (WABC-TV), Thomas Jones (Kansas City Chiefs), Michael B. Jordan (Parenthood, Friday Night Lights), Matt Lanter (90210), Evan Lysacek (U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Figure Skater), Gilles Marini (Brothers and Sisters), Jesse Metcalfe (Chase), Joey Pantoliano (Actor), Leven Rambin (Actress),  Justin Tuck (NY Giants), Ally Walker (Sons of Anarchy), Heather Carlucci-Rodriguez (PRINT. Restaurant), Cesare Casella (Italian Culinary Academy, Salumeria Rosi), Michael Lomonaco (Porter House New York), Missy Robbins (MARC's A Voce Restaurants), and Bradford Thompson (Chef), among others, HELP USA and the Oneida Indian Nation are shining a spotlight to rally support for an important cause through this campaign and meal serving event. Additional corporate partners have signed onto the campaign including Basis Foods, Heritage Foods, Icelandic Glacial Water, and Niman Ranch pledging food donations while Continental Airlines will be donating airline tickets to support the initiative.   For additional information about the "Our Heritage of HELPing" campaign, please visit www.crowdrise.com/heritageofhelping/fundraiser/HELPUSA1 or www.helpusa.org.

The Oneida Indian Nation has further pledged to spread this mission of giving and sharing with ongoing efforts throughout the year to renew its commitment and history of helping others as the Oneidas and other American Indians have always done. The partnership will come to fruition within the next few weeks as HELP USA and the Oneida Indian Nation prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, which culminates in a Thanksgiving dinner being served for hundreds of homeless New Yorkers at the Genesis RFK Apartments on November 23rd. The Oneida Indian Nation plans to sell several of HELP USA's Comfort Food products to raise additional funds and awareness for both HELP USA and the American Indian Empowerment Fund.  The line will be sold at Oneida Indian Nation convenience stores, Turning Stone Resort, at exclusive retail partners and online.

About Oneida Indian Nation:

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Oneida Nation consists of about 1,000 enrolled Members, most of them living in Central New York. The Nation's enterprises, which employ nearly 5,000 people, include Turning Stone Resort and Casino, the SavOn chain of gas stations and convenience stores, several retail outlets, and Four Directions Media, which includes a national weekly newspaper and a 3D animation studio. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation's economic base and provide essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, to its Members. For additional information, please visit www.oneidaindiannation.com.

About HELP USA:

HELP USA's mission is to provide housing and the supportive services necessary for the homeless and people in need, in order to become and remain self reliant. Through the development of quality housing with on-site support services, HELP USA provides resources for its residents to become independent and self-sufficient. HELP USA breaks the cycle of dependency by addressing underlying causes in a way that respects the dignity of those it serves; helping clients help themselves.

The comprehensive continuum of services offered at HELP USA residencies includes employment training and placement, life skills education, childcare, and domestic violence counseling. As clients build confidence and skills, they take control of their lives and find a new beginning. For additional information, please visit www.helpusa.org.

SOURCE HELP USA; Oneida Indian Nation