Limiting Child Homelessness

Limiting Child Homelessness

"There are more homeless children in today than after the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina and Rita which caused historic levels of homelessness in 2006, said Ellen L. Bassuk," (Hart- Shegos, 1999, p. 1). Child homelessness has increased to 38% since 2007 following the recession. The rate of child homelessness increased to where there is a waiting list for shelters and a minimum of 300 children a night. Children should not be homeless and the programs used to aid theses children should not have funding cut. Experiencing homelessness as a child has many negative impacts and supporting programs for housing, childcare, education, domestic violence, and employment, and training will decrease homelessness.

"Most children that are homeless come from a mother in their early twenties who had a child when they were in their teens who also lacks in education," (Hart- Shegos, 1999, p. 2). After homeless mothers have a child, they either live in a shelter with a family member, or friend. These types of overcrowded living conditions expose babies to diseases and illness, stress, lack of sanitation, and sterilization for formula. Supporting childcare and housing programs will limit the overcrowding of spaces and promote healthy child development. Childcare programs will help the parent with developing employment and possessing readily available help for his or her child eliminating stress. Supporting of housing programs limits the amount of diseases that spread to a baby and promotes sanitation.

Homeless children's academic performance is hampered by their homelessness. "Homeless children are more likely to score poorly on math, reading, spelling, and vocabulary tests and are more likely to be held back a year in school," (Hart- Shegos, 1999, p. 3). Homeless women abuse drugs and alcohol from experience of homelessness and the constant change. Education programs on parenting, alcohol, nutrition, and afterschool programs for both the parent and child will decrease homelessness. Members enrolled in such programs will be more likely to break the cycle of homelessness because of the knowledge obtain during these classes will promote a healthier life away from drugs and alcohol. Programs for victims of domestic violence will help in deterring mothers from substance abuse.

Another reason most people are homeless is because of lack of employment and training. When the recession began in 2007 a large amount of workers were laid off, hours were decreased, and some had a pay decrease. With employment programs and training it will increase production in the nation. Many jobs are being created throughout the United States but without training and education for these jobs they will stay available. Many employers want experienced workers and if you do not possess the skills or have training you will not be hired. Employment and training programs