Homeless Families By: Janet Davis and Katelyn Deininger

Defining Homelessness “In 2009, Congress passed the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act, which sought to align definitions for homelessness. The HEARTH Act defined the homeless as “an individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence,” including not only the sheltered and unsheltered homeless, but also those who will “imminently lose their housing,” have no subsequent residence identified, and lack the resources or support network to obtain permanent housing.” (VCU Center on Society & Health, Retrieved from: Introduction

Types of Homelessness ❏ Transitional Provides housing, case management and services for up to 24 months. ❏ Emergency Sheltered Provides basic housing and services for a very limited period of time. ❏ Unsheltered Living on the streets. Introduction Number of People Per Living Category in Georgia in 2013 Sheltered (Transitional & Emergency Shelter) 8,497 Unsheltered8,450

Nation ●633,782 homeless individuals in the United States in ●Estimated number of homeless children in ,246. (A 2% increase from 2011). ●The national rate of homelessness was 20 homeless people per 10,000. (NAEH, 2013) Georgia ●5,459 persons in homeless families. (icphusa.org, 2011) ●In 2013, 16,947 homeless in Georgia. ●Counties with highest homeless populations: Fulton, Gwinnett, & Chatham Cobb County ●204 persons in homeless families. ●8.68% (icphusa.org, 2011) Statistics

53% of homeless people receive food stamps. According to 2003 information, “children under the age of 18 accounted for 39% of the homeless population; 42% of these children were under the age of five” (National Homeless, 2009). More Statistics Percent of Homeless People by Race (2013) African American51% White42% Other7%

Ramsay states, “Besides determining how we relate to the social world, cultures also influence how we relate to the natural world and experience the rhythms of the day, the year, and the life span” (p. 106). Characteristics of Culture

●Family Values & Work Ethic - Not all homeless individuals are unemployed. Many have jobs but simply do not make enough money to afford traditional housing. ●Religious Practice- Homeless individuals come from a variety of backgrounds so not one religion is represented. ●Views on Education- Many homeless individuals do send their children to school and instill in them the importance of an education. ●Discipline- Because many homeless families work multiple jobs or are unavailable discipline may be sporatic. Characteristics of Culture continued

● Nutrition ● Sleep Patterns ● Play Patterns ● Discipline ● Emotional Development ● Family Responsibilities ● Availability of resources (computer with internet, paper and pencil) Things to consider (Murphy & Tobin, 2011)

Challenges ●No valid phone numbers ●No ●No Transportation to get to school for conferences/school functions Possible Solutions ●School Events that are inviting and reinforce stability. (Ex. International Night) ●Providing Food at Open House & PTA Functions ●Sending Information (Flyers) in student backpacks with specific, relevant information about school and community supports for homeless families. ●Teachers - Get Involved & Serve the Homeless In Your Community! Communicating with Homeless Families

● Lack of supplies to complete activities at home ● Lack of clothing for Physical Education (tennis shoes), winter coats, multiple outfits ● Funding for extracurricular activities including field trips ● Insufficient means of communication with school (cell phone and ) ● Lack of healthcare to meet enrollment requirements (dental, vision and immunization) ● Transportation (missed bus, parent teacher conferences, etc.) ● Instability in school Barriers

SCHOOL SUPPORTS: ●Free/Reduced Lunch (and Breakfast!) ●School Counselors ●Homeless Education Program (HEP) ●Free Eyeglasses Program ●Free Dental Service Other Great Resources for Teachers ●Indicators and Tips for teachers of homeless children ●Homeless Family Communication Tools from ClassroomCaboodle ●National Center for Homeless Education Supports

Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness, (2011). National survey of programs and services for homeless families. Retrieved from: National Alliance to End Homelessness, (April 8, 2013). The state of homelessness in America Retrieved from: Murphy, J. F., & Tobin, K. J. (2011). Homelessness comes to school. Phi Delta Kappan 93(3), References

Georgia Department of Community Affairs, (July, 2014) report on homelessness. Retrieved from: melessnessReport2013.pdf melessnessReport2013.pdf National Coalition for the Homeless, (July, 2009). Who is homeless? Retrieved from: References