How to Help the Homeless Children in America

You can help America's homeless children.

Statistics from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network show that in 2005, 40 percent of the homeless population was made up of families, and about 1.3 million American children were homeless at some point that year. Homelessness occurs due to domestic violence, poverty, a lack of affordable housing and other traumatic events. Children who live in homeless shelters with their mothers often lose their possessions, security and privacy. You can make a difference in the lives of these children by providing them with material goods, financial help or emotional support.

Instructions

1. Find out about the homeless children in your community. Ask your local soup kitchen or homeless shelter how many homeless children live on the streets or in shelters, and what they need most. These agencies may be able to tell you what tangible items they need, such as school supplies, clothing or food.

2. Donate items to homeless children. If you did not receive a list from a shelter, consider giving books, toys, warm clothing or toiletries. Give a backpack full of school supplies in August, or wrapped gifts in December. Think about what a child's seasonal needs might be and try to meet them.

3. Volunteer your time. Spending time with a homeless child may raise his self-esteem and give him security. Offer to read to kids at the shelter or to tutor a struggling child in math or reading.

4. Donate food or money to your local food pantry, church or other organizations that feed homeless kids. Serve dinner to homeless families at a soup kitchen.

5. Provide support for the mothers of homeless children. Assistance helps them get themselves and their children out of homelessness. Mentor a struggling homeless mother and help her with childcare so she can attend job interviews. Donate gently used business clothing to organizations that provide clothes for women to wear on job interviews and at work.

References

• JustGiveGuide: Ways to Help
• School on Wheels: Guiding Principles
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Facts on Trauma and Homeless Children