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Diane's Take on National Homelessness Media Coverage
Family Homeless Up--Surprised? Nope! Now that HUD is starting to pay slight attention to the growing number of homeless families, they see alarming things. No kidding. We've been trying to tell you.You weren't listening.
Graduation Not an Easy Goal, But They Made It! These Tacoma teens focused, and received support from school staff and others. Their determination overcame the barriers of many homeless students. Inspiring! (and the comments so far are positive!)
Fireball Student Understands Homelessness and Acts - Seeing a friend become homeless when the family lost their house to foreclosure, this 11-year-old student decided to act. Wow!
UCLA Students Help Homeless Students On Campus - Homeless students struggle with classes, and with survival. It just got a little easier on UCLA's campus. I bet homeless students struggle on other campuses.
Homelessness Plus Family Crises - Being a teen is tough. Add homelessness = tougher. Add immigration issues and deported parents, unimaginable. Here's an incredible story about an Ann Arbor student.
Heartwarming Story of Good Things Happening to Homeless Youth -- Having met TJ, the young man in this story, I can tell you he is every bit this amazing and he has an exciting future. Read this to know what good things can happen....
Bay State Review of Approach to Helping Homeless Families -- Anytime Dennis Culhane does a report, I try to read it to see if his ivory tower thinking has evolved. It hasn't, as indicated in this latest report which I've highlighted and linked, so I can blog about it. Your comments will be appreciated, and will hopefully provide grist for the mill.
Thousands of Colorado Homeless Families -- When are we as a nation going to get a grip on this problem of skyrocketing homeless families and teens? This story TV news story does a good job of illustrating what families go through.
Students in Orlando Tell the Story -- What a great effort from students in one of the most violent cities for homeless people--Orlando. They portray homeless people as people with stories to tell in this 33-minute amazing documentary.
Brain Freeze in Alaska? I can't imagine how my brain would work in that AK cold, but reading this article about the high level of homeless students in Anchorage, an article that just decries the transportation costs, it strikes me that something's missing--concern, better yet efforts, to help families find housing.
Congresswoman Biggert Takes Stand for Homeless Kids! This IL Congresswoman continues to champion the issue of homeless kids' education. She just introduced comprehensive legislation to help homeless kids with education.
Eviction from the Eyes of a Teen - An ever-more-common occurence--eviction--is usually described from the eyes of adults. This post lets a skilled writer, a formerly homeless teen, share her impressions of her family's eviction.
Higher Education Scams Prey on Homeless Students -Homeless people are apparently again being used to help non-homeless greed-meisters profit, this time by attending college so recruiters can profit. Beware! It's slick!
Here's an Inspirational Story about a Homeless Youth I Know - TJ has a life like so many young people--hard to imagine for those of us who didn't have brutal childhoods. With massive help from an incredible amount of people matched by his determined spirit, he's on the right path.
Comprehensive Look at Poverty and Homelessness - Ann Arbor, MI is a middle-of-the-road kind of place, not too big, not too small. This article details poverty and homelessness in a way that both identifies the issues and outlines the solutions. Not rocket science, but sure requires action!
PA School District Again Fails M-V Test - Despite best efforts, another school district inexcusably failed to study the very simple McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act, to the detriment of a 13-year old boy. Good thing I'm not in charge of detentions in this district.
Teens Advise Mayor-END HOMELESSNESS FOR STUDENTS It doesn't take a genius to figure out that homelessness is hard on kids trying to learn. In Beaverton, OR, the mayor received some good advice, let's prioritize getting families off the streets into housing. Oh yay!
Not April Fools' Joke - Pardon my cynical attitude. It's good that HUD has figured out what some of us have been saying for years--the number of homeless families and teens is WAY higher than they've admitted in the past. They may be counting better, and surely more families and teens are finding themselves homeless. Now to get Congress up to speed on this issue so more resources can be directed to solutions.
Critical Decision Favors Homeless Students A suit was settled in favor of homeless students who find themselves rotating their nighttime place to sleep because of the shelter program that relies on faith communities to shelter homeless families. The PA district had a distorted idea of where the homeless kids from the shelter should attend--not in their district. But they were wrong, and others should pay attention.
Homelessness--Hard on Kids, Expensive for Schools Springfield, MA area has tons of families staying in motels. This article explains both sides. Explain to me why efforts can't be made to house families to save schools money (oh, and to better assist families). We'll catch on sooner or later.
Proof in Missouri-We've Got a Huge Problem! Those Missourans are tough, requiring proof, but when they get the proof, as in the skyrocketing number of homeless students, they're appalled. It is appalling. When will our political leaders feel the same?
When Will the Surge Abate? That's a good question for policymakers, because cities and towns across the land are saying the same thing as this article reports: homelessness is becoming a reality for more and more families, directly tied to the economy. Bail out time? Or just bail?
Don't Tell Me They're Really Surprised In Pinellas County FL, they're supposedly "shocked" about the increase of homeless families and teens. Really? What's more shocking than soaring numbers is few seem to care, especially those with power to do something about it. What's the word beyond "shock" that will describe next year's numbers? This article does cover the issue of homeless teen girls in a thorough manner.
Youth Fall Through Shredded Safety Net in DuPage If things are bad in affluent DuPage County (IL) you can bet it's worse elsewhere. Homeless teens, domestic violence victims, and more are finding doors slammed shut--no room in the inn--at great peril.
Motels = Homeless Shelters in MA, for Now Sorry, I can't get all inspired by the latest (well-intentioned) plan to unconvert motels that are housing scads of MA families. What's missing? How about a cohesive plan in this country to re-house millions? And while we're at it, how about some essential support services for those who need them? I'm not holding my breath. And it makes me sad.
Teens, Without Parents, Struggle Being a teen is hard enough. Parents, even the less-than-ideal ones, usually come in handy for teens struggling with typical teen issues. Millions of youth without parents/guardians in America find their only stability in school. They're invisible, in need of housing and other support, and few resources exist to help them, leaving them vulnerable. This teen's story illustrates the common challenges.
Census Doubles--Homeless Students in the WI Dells If you've been to the WI Dells area, you know it's not a bustling metropolis. But their school district reports the number of homeless students identified has doubled. Federal money pays for a social worker to assist families.
Ohio Reports on Peril of Runaway Youth Kids that hit the street for whatever reason find themselves at risk of sex trafficking and other dangers according to a new report. It's safe to assume that many of the findings could apply to other states too.
Times are Tough in Greenwich, CT...Hard to imagine that in the overly-affluent Greenwich area that poverty and homelessness are surging. But they are. Will this be the attention-getter? Or can we ignore the dismal realities of more and more families falling apart at the seams with no safety net?
Deep in the Heart of TX Does anyone ever get really upset about surging numbers of families falling into homelessness and poverty? Irving, TX, near Dallas has people with tons of money, and has skyrocketing numbers of poor kids trying to get an education. Community leaders are concerned. That's step 1. If they'd move like it's their loved ones in this predicament, that would be even better!
Good Article about 'Non-Homeless' Homeless Families/Teens An enlightened look at a dark secret--people trying to keep their homelessness secret. Yakima's point in time count includes families. Not every community does, nor do they go out of their way to try to find people couch surfing or staying in motels.
The Cost of Growing Up Homeless A thorough, thought-provoking look at the toll homelessness takes on children and youth. Observations will underscore why it's important to have caring, knowledgeable staff to ease the trauma as best as they can.
An Astounding Look at Childhood Poverty The Denver Post published what has to be an award-winning comprehensive look at childhood poverty, with photos, video and stories that make this issue as real as any I've seen. And I thought mainstream video was dead.
'Hard Times' Often a Euphanism for Homelessness - People don't like to admit they're going through troubles, especially when they lose their place to live. A dramatic rise in house fires reflects, among other things, the desperate situation of families trying to stay warm in the winter. This article is very thought-provoking.
My Friend 'Rooster' - One of a kind, Rooster works with homeless kids in Allentown. If you need a model for homeless liaisons in school districts, he's it! Kids in Allentown are lucky to have him!
Youth Homelessness, Growing and Unnoticed - Teens blend in to keep from being noticed. When their housing falls apart, they struggle to survive, often not getting essential help to enable them to thrive. Here's a good article that describes problems and solutions (albeit inadequate).
Comprehensive Look at Realities of Kids' Homelessness This NEA article covers a lot, and does it well. It explores the relationship between homeless students and schools, highlighting many important issues.
Nothing Short of Amazing and Inspiring! Good news stories are hard to find, but this one tells of determined people without homes setting their sights on a college degree. Many more invisible homeless college students are out there.
A Grand Idea Worth Sharing! Homeless families and empty apartments. Hmmm, what do you think about helping homeless families get into vacant apartments? It can work! Grand Junction, CO has a program to work with landlords and families needing a place to live. Check it out!
Some Positive News--In the midst of the insanity of homeless kids, bright spots make it less horrible. This story tells of one intrepid woman's efforts to help the ever-flowing rush of kids wanting an education. People like this--and I've met several--deserve our thanks.
Mississippi Homelessness Hitting More Families -- Recognizing the realities that more and more families are experiencing, MS schools are identifying soaring hidden homelessness.
But They're not Homeless? -- Families by the bazillions lose their housing and turn to friends/motels to keep from sleeping on streets of cities and towns that either don't have shelters or the shelters are not available to the families for many reasons. And HUD doesn't call them homeless?? Homeless families and teens count!
And in Beautiful Payson, AZ -- School districts in this bucolic area northeast of Phoenix report a surge of homeless students. Now, really, when is this issue--especially families/youth doubled-up or in motels--going to get the attention it deserves?
Clouds in Sunshine State for Homeless Kids - but at least school districts are trying their best. Indian River School District, Florida's area of highest foreclosure rates, is seeing record numbers of homeless students. Good article covers basics of McKinney-Vento.
In Cities and Towns Everywhere Homeless Families Struggle to Cope--these stories illustrate the heartbreaking day-to-day reality facing 2 Chicago area families--one living in a tiny camper, the other in a cold storage bin. How many more invisible families are out there? How much longer will this be their reality? Trib editors used these stories for their Thanksgiving editorial. Now, that's a good sign!
Teens On Streets Survive, Barely--Resilient teens can endure a lot, but millions of young people in America learn hard lessons from life on the streets. The NYT gives some thorough coverage to this issue. Especially recommend the 7-minute video.
Breaking Stereotypes, One Family at a Time--In middle America, Fort Wayne, IN, the path to homelessness for one family is described in such a way as readers can begin to grasp how easy it is to become homeless, and points out the essential work of the homeless liaisons in school districts.
Bone-Chilling--Alaska's Homeless Families --Few places strike me as the worst place to be homeless. Alaska is one of them. A rise in homelessness among families is seen across this frozen tundra. Efforts to help are steadfast, but they seem to fall behind the need.
It's Not Just an Urban Issue -- Even in the semi-recession resistant Plains states, homeless families are find themselves desparately seeking shelter, and finding limited options.
Dedicated McKinney-Vento Liaisons do everything possible to help homeless students. The School District of Lancaster, PA has some great liaisons! The increased numbers of homeless students are alarming, but at least the kids have a chance to succeed in school.
Fight to Keep Homeless Students OUT of School - 'Splain it to me like I'm a 6-year-old. Why do school districts think they can flaunt federal law requiring them to house homeless students? This Pittsburgh area district is pushing the envelope.
Houston 'Hero' Helps Teens - In the trenches all across the country are people like Craig Zeno, a Houston drop-out prevention specialist, who helps homeless teens overcome barriers to education. Kudos to all who do this unheralded work! And even more kudos to kids like Daederick Ford who don't give up!
This Dad is Trying - Try as he may, his nomadic lifestyle, while at the same time trying to care for his young son, is a tough one. It's so tough that it's called 'homeless' by the US Dept. of Education. Why does HUD have a problem with this concept?
Good Reasons to End Child Homelessness - As if reasons are needed, do people realize that vulnerable kids can end up in dire circumstances if left to their own resources? In Sin City, Las Vegas, people rallied to call attention to this issue.
Dramatic Increase of Homeless Students in Impervious Dubuque - Despite a relatively strong economy, this Mississippi River border city experienced the surge of homeless students that more vulnerable areas have reported. In typical Iowa fashion, they're coping, with families in motels, doubled-up and in campgrounds.
Big Sky State Has Big Rural Homelessness Problem - Montana, where life is beautiful and rugged for those with a roof over their head, can be a daunting place for families who fall into homelessness. Despite best efforts, many fall through the massive cracks in the safety net. This thorough story explores the scope of the problem.
Homeless Teens in Salt Lake City offer a look at life on the streets. It's not pretty. But several explanations for why youth become homeless and how they survive give food for thought. Do these kids have a shot at being productive adults?
Motel Owners Prosper, Families Suffer is how I see the use of motels as alternative homeless shelters. In MA, the state places families in motels if shelters are full. Guess what? Shelters are overfilled. And thousands of families are stuck in motels. Better than the streets, I guess, but anyone who's stayed long with a family in a motel knows it's not a great solution.
Building on the Surge Story (below), Arianna Huffington wrote a powerful account of how Erik Eckholm's NYT story about the surge in homeless students affected her. She shared her thoughts in a speech to an audience that included: Bill and Melinda Gates, Deputy Secretary of Education Tony Miller, New York City School Chancellor Joel Klein, and Stephen Colbert.
Back to School Surge in Homeless Students Nationwide--Everywhere educators look they are finding astronomical numbers of homeless students. Are we surprised? No. Erik Eckholm reports on a variety of locations, all seeing the same thing--unprecedented numbers of homeless students, most NOT in shelters.
Do Ya Really Wanna Know...what it's like for families living in motels because they've lost their place to live? This story captures the dreadful realities about motel homelessness, not considered 'homeless' by the bozos who pushed a limited definition of homeless through Congress. I'd say it's time to quarantine them in a motel like this for a month or so...
Kyrene, AZ, one of my HEAR US stops, has an amazing program to help homeless students! This story gives just a glimpse. Nothing could do justice to how they try to help families there (and in other places with super McKinney-Vento Liaisons).
Reminiscent of the Okies...Most parents will do anything to support their kids. In Sandusky, OH, as a family struggles with the confines of shelter living and bleak job prospects, they look to TX for possible opportunities. The effects of frequent moves on children, especially with stress built in, can be daunting. But families are looking for hope and independence.
Off-the-Chart Numbers of KY Homeless Students No state seems immune to rapidly increasing numbers of homeless students. Pay attention to the numbers, but picture the faces of little kids, starting school, knowing they have no place to all home. At least they have school stability.
Where the Heck is Kitsap? was my first thought reading the headline about increased student homelessness. It's in Washington State, and it provides yet another confirmation of skyrocketing homelessness among families. The story is sad, but what makes it saddest is that it is played out in communities of all sizes across the nation.
Come On, Let's Not Call This 'Camping'...How many people are trying to survive homelessness by 'camping' either in campgrounds or in a family/friend's backyard? You can bet they don't count as 'homeless' in any HUD count.
Can We Get Enough Good News? Inspiring story about Chicago teens who set out to graduate high school and go to college...and how the FAFSA Fix for Homeless Kids removed barriers for homeless youth.
Upsurge of Desperate Families It doesn't seem to matter if you work or not. You can become homeless. A Toledo, OH family learned that hard lesson. To make things worse, the shelter where they now stay is on-track to homelessness too. The dike is bursting...what will happen?
Homeless Teens - College- It's Possible! If a teen has ambition and ability, but no home, is college possible? Read this inspiring story about a young man whose life on the streets gave him the motivation needed to succeed.
Back to School Time and schools are gearing up for the increase in homeless students. Some suburban Chicago schools do an impressive job providing educational services to homeless students. These are some of the best!
Family 'Camping'--the Latest 'Solution to Homelessness Tents, campfires, and homelessness. All American summer activities. Not a new way to deal with losing the family homestead, but it seems to get more popular as the economy continues its tailspin.
Maybe HUD will finally get it? A new HUD Secretary, Shaun Donovan, at least has possibilities. The latest HUD report gives some indication that those fighting the expansion of the definition of homelessness were wrong and are now needing to make up for lost time. In the meantime, families and teens continue to suffer. Can we speed up our national response?
Lots of Homeless Kids in Marco Island...surprised? Don't be. Homeless kids are everywhere. Even before this economic crisis. My question, how many kids will it take to get the attention and action of our government and communities?
Mississippi...the latest to chime in on the swelling number of homeless families. I am astounded by the ongoing reports of homeless families--in many cases not able to be served at shelters--all over the country. I am dismayed that their existence seems to be ignored. We'll keep trying.
Reno, the biggest little city...where the roll of the dice and the spin of the wheel makes or breaks thousands of people a day. They just opened a family shelter last October but obviously not everyone benefits. Motels, the 21st century homeless shelters in every community, provide an unstable roof over the head and little more. But HUD doesn't consider these families homeless. ARGH!
No shortage of these stories...motels, often shelters for those who have no homes, can be OK, or awful. In this case, it was so bad the police shut it down, which made some families even more homeless. Oh, that's right, they're not homeless if they're in a motel.
An Inspiring Story Not that we need inspiration, but if you do, read this incredible account of a youth who is overcoming a life of homelessness and is heading to Harvard.
Report After Report says the same thing...appalling increases in the number of homeless families--including those in motels and doubled-up with others. This Boston Globe story points out the senselessness of it.
Mark Saxenmeyer of FoxTV Chicago found a surburban family stuck in a motel. And "they" say this isn't homeless?? Mark and the family will convince viewers otherwise.
Katie Couric gets it! Her op-ed column conveys kids' suffering and the urgency to act on the issue of homelessness for families and teens.
Practical Need--Graduation Gowns What a huge shame it would be for homeless teen to get through high school and not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony.
OMG! Another enlightened story! NPR aired a great story that featured a 2-parent couple and Barbara Anderson, a long-time activist from Indiana. They all do a superb job at describing issues facing families and communities.
Another solid piece on plight of homeless kids...PBS offers an 8-minute segment that gives a good perspective of homeless students from their perspective and from that of the schools. Just makes me wonder--what will happen as a result?
Sad, but no surprise...Schnectady, NY and other "out-state" cities report soaring numbers of impoverished kids and families. When articles refer to "living in poverty" does anyone have a clue as to what that really means?
Amazing coverage...Someday someone will explain how homeless (highly-mobile) kids escaped attention for so long, then received a spate of media coverage. Time again does a good job on the story. Now if we can start finding solutions...
Perhaps the best article...I've seen on homelessness ala motels is today's NYT article. You can smell the cheap pasta cooking, which is one way that families survive in these cramped quarters. This story will give you a sense of being in one of the countless "no-tell-motels" that are the homeless shelter of the 21st Century.
It's About Time...Finally someone has raised the number of homeless children in the U.S. Time Magazine has a good article on the extent of invisible homeless children, pre-economic demise.
Wichita Homeless Family Spike--All Income Levels. It's not just the generational poor who become homeless, it's the middle income families hitting the streets too. Shelters aren't enough. When will something be done to reverse this dire trend?
Painful Stories Tell the Story of countless families struggling to survive across the country. The question I have--why do we lament the cost of providing the services that could have been avoided had we spent less on keeping families from being homeless in the first place? Argh!
Give me a flippin' break! Perhaps this government official had gold dust in his eyes, not able to see that Nevada, especially the gambling meccas of Las Vegas and Reno, has an exploding population of homeless families. Before the latest economic implosion, NV families by the thousands have turned to motels and doubling up with family/friends to avoid sleeping on the streets. Family shelters are as rare as big payouts in the Silver State.
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Understanding Homelessness
