Homelessness is a topic that everyone can learn more about. HEAR US has found some quality resources to give a better understanding of this complex issue.
Be sure to check our "Homelessness In the News" section, a synopsis of current news articles about homelessness from around the country.

MEDIA

• 60 Minutes, the CBS News Magazine, ran a powerful story about homeless students in Seminole County, FL in 2010. They ran a follow-up piece in early December. Here's more info on it (including links to the original piece and other local contact info)
• NYS-TEACHS created an excellent video simulation of the enrollment process, giving participants opportunities to have a virtual experience of what often happens when a family tries to enroll. Try it and see how you do!
• Learn what choices you make when on a low-income budget. Take this virtual stroll through the tough choices.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Abstract Bibliography of Homeless Education Resources, 2010, National Center for Homeless Education, rich reference document, well organized, a great research tool.
  

VIDEOS

• On their Own is an excellent 20-min. video about homeless youth and their school rights. Filmed and produced by Laura Vazquez, media guru who has worked with HEAR US over the years, and her Northern Illinois University students for the Lee-Ogle IL McKinney-Vento program.
• Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness produced a 3 1/2 minute YouTube video about homelessness that really does the job!

REPORTS/ARTICLES/BLOGS

• The EFFECT OF THE RECESSION ON CHILD WELL-BEING - Another jaw-dropping report by First Focus (11/10) on the aspects of children's lives most likely harmed by the ongoing financial turmoil.
• CRITICAL MOMENT - Report (7/10) by First Focus and NAEHCY points to one effort that eases the surging crisis of homelessness for families and youth.
• MA Campaign to End Child Homelessness--HEAR US joined with this group to call a halt to devastating cuts to programs that keep children and families from becoming homeless. Here is their statement, one which would work in other states.
• HOMELESS FAMILIES--STATE-BY-STATE REPORT--To no surprise, homelessness among families and youth is much worse than some government reports. The National Center on Family Homelessness issued the most media-quoted report in memory on this issue, "America's Youngest Outcasts."
• HOMELESS CHILDREN & TEENS--NUMBERS SKYROCKETING--It's documented across the country--schools are reporting shocking increases in the number of homeless children/teens they are identifying. For a picture of what is happening across the country, check out the report just issued by NAEHCY and First Focus, "The Economic Crisis Hits Home: the Unfolding Increase in Child and Youth Homelessness."
• ADVOCATES TO OBAMA: HOMELESSNESS ADVICE--WRAP, the same respected advocacy group that put out the report Without Housing, listed below, compiled a worthwhile message to our new president. Good perspective that includes a summary of the Without Housing report.
  
• MORTGAGE CRISIS HITS CHILDREN--To no surprise, many families who lose their housing in these financial hard times will become homeless. First Focus, a national advocacy organization, issued this report on how this crisis hits children, "The Impact of the Mortgage Crisis on Children"
• REVISED 2010-COMPREHENSIVE REPORT! For those wanting to know more about one of the key contributing factors to homelessness over the past 25 years, this report is invaluable. "Without Housing: Decades of Federal Housing Cutbacks, Massive Homelessness and Policy Failures," gives homelessness the analysis it so deserves. This exceptional report is available free at www.wraphome.org. Kudos to those who worked on this report and the revised edition! It's up to the rest of us to utilize this advocacy tool.

ORGANIZATIONS/Websites

• NAEHCY, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, a great site to learn about the issue of homeless students' educational rights.
• SERVE provides excellent resources regarding educational issues for homeless students.
• The NATIONAL COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS continues to be stalwart advocates for justice on behalf of homeless adults and children.
• The NATIONAL LAW CENTER ON HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY offers extensive information on legal issues surrounding homelessness.
• HOMELESSNESS RESOURCE CENTER, provides a wide range of materials and information about homelessness.
• Institute for Children, Poverty and Homelessness, plethora of reports and resource information on homelessness.
• Classroom Teacher Resources, ideas for addressing the issue of homelessness in the classroom.

• Fascinating list of celebrities who experienced homelessness.
• Refinancing mortgages and other info about housing.
• See what a Yarmouth, ME 4th grade class did to raise awareness about homelessness
• Read what a young boy in Florida is doing to help homeless kids
• Another amazing young boy in NYC supports HEAR US with proceeds from his art creations. Check it out!
• Harvard student extends FREE online help for SAT preparation. INeedAPencil.com is an innovative online SAT preparation program with a mission to significantly raise each student's SAT scores through the use of interesting learning content, proven testing methods and helpful student tools. IF YOU KNOW HOMELESS HS STUDENTS PREPARING FOR SAT, THIS COULD BE A VERY HELPFUL SERVICE. Let us know how it works!
  

BOOKS (non-HEAR US)

• CHILDREN'S BOOK LIST

• ADULT BOOKS on HOMELESSNESS
  The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls
  Left Out in America, Pat LaMarche
  Without A Net

Other good books on homelessness? Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with information about your favorite read. We'll check it out and share it!