PowerPoint Presentation

What we know: 3.5 million are homeless1.4 million are children1 in 50 children in US are homeless They are one of the most marginalized and victimized groups.

2Homelessness is a pervasive problem among youth. Homeless children can be hard to identify and even harder to help.Families with children are the fastest growing group of homeless persons in the United States.

We know:

Basic Needs are often unmet which leads to homelessness. This is one of the most vulnerable populations facing the United States. These children have been reported to display academic and emotional problems and poor social skills.

Basic Needs:

Food & WaterShelterMedical & Mental Health ServicesChildren who are homeless are at risk for health problems because they seldom receive routine care.Educational & Counseling Services

Basic Needs:

Basic life skills are activities of daily living, eating, grooming, meal preparation and community skills; transportation, time management, safety. Families who are homeless are more likely to lose welfare benefits and are less likely to receive food stamps than families living in poverty who have permanent residences.

A Starting Point:

Food, shelter and a stable environment is the goal.Educators must help children access their basic needs within the school environment, including clothes, school supplies, and snacks.Families who are homeless lack financial and personal resources, which often leaves the children with feelings of being stigmatized.

Inspire:

This book is a great read for elementary children about a homeless man in need.

Joe smelled kind of funny. He was a little bit weird. He wore trash can shoes, had a scraggly beard. Hed talk to the pigeons in front of Dads store. I often wondered what he was sitting there for.

The Reality:

Teachers and schools are on the front line50% jump between 2006-2008Teachers and schools are not prepared for these highly mobile studentsImpacts learning and 3x more likely to be labeled special education needs.A high risk of suicide and sexual exploitationThe Impacts:

Economically, change costs money and most of the funding is from taxpayers dollars or private donations. The economic recession and the historic highs of foreclosures have led to voucher cuts by 100,000 and cut in grants for housing and community development. (Conley, 2010) The Change:

President Obama is looking to reverse some of the funding trends. Budget plan 2010 restore and develop housing and voucher programs.A reinterpretation trend designed to revert individuals as the root of the problem and base it on structural factors. $62 million dollars earmarked nationally for 52 homeless and youth grants to accommodate the school systems (US dept of ED)So how bad is this getting?

LOW RESOLUTION VERSION