The Invisible Generation: Homeless Children

On Sunday, March 6, CBS’s 60 Minutes broadcasted a special report on homeless children: The Hard Times Generation.

The statistics alone are astounding: 16 million children living in poverty (nearly 25% of all American children); an increase of 2 million in the past two years. These numbers, while monumental, are akin to those we’ve been hearing since 2009 – the recession’s grasp is limitless. But what we haven’t heard are the personal stories, directly from the children themselves.

60 Minutes reporters interviewed kids from across the country who are experiencing first-hand the struggles of homelessness. They tell stories of going to bed hungry, of brushing their teeth in gas station bathrooms, of being separated from their siblings to live with relatives or neighbors.  Heartbreaking.

One of the most stirring testimonies came from a child who shared, “I feel like it’s my fault.” This girl wants nothing more than to help her parents, but she feels hopeless, even guilty for their plight. Homeless kids are embarrassed by their situation; many choose to drop out of school to help support their families.

“Homeless kids tip-toe in a world of insecurity, hoping to be invisible,” says 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley. These are the most tragic victims of poverty and unemployment: homeless children.

On the San Francisco Peninsula, Shelter Network is dedicated to combat family homelessness. Last year, Shelter Network served 865 families, including over 1,700 children.  Our mission is to ensure that these families are empowered with the tools to overcome homelessness, and stay out of homelessness.

San Mateo County is the most expensive region in the Bay Area.  According to a United Way report, it costs over $63,000 for a family of 3 to be self-sufficient – not luxurious – sufficient, the basics. With the cost of living more than three times the federal poverty level, families who at once considered themselves middle-class are now lining up for food stamps and unemployment benefits.

Shelter Network provides a wide range of services to mitigate the devastating effects of homelessness, particularly for children. Our shelters are comprised of apartment units, where families can stay together and support each other during this difficult time. We offer food pantries stocked with donations from Second Harvest Food Bank, so that families can cook healthy meals in their shelter units. And with a generous grant from Sequoia Healthcare District, our San Mateo shelter provides fresh, hot meals on the weekends for the 39 homeless families living there.

Our shelters and programs are a hand up – not a hand out. We empower our residents with the skills they need to maintain employment, secure housing, and develop a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Shelter Network’s successful services rely on the support of our community. With California’s budget crisis and government grants rapidly declining, funding from private organizations and individuals is critical. Your dollars ensure that no child goes to bed hungry or unsheltered.  To donate, visit www.shelternetwork.org.

Read/watch the CBS report “Homeless children: the hard times generation”:http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/03/06/60minutes/main20038927.shtml

Shelter Network provides housing and support services for over 1,700 homeless children and their families every year.  To donate or volunteer, visit www.shelternetwork.org.