for every child, a chance.
What's New
August 23: How McKinney-Vento Liaisons Help Children Who Are Homeless
A stable place to attend school can help mitigate the impact of homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires each school district to identify a liaison between homeless students and the school system. These liaisons are a critical link helping students access the support they need to succeed in the classroom. Originally showcased in America's Youngest Outcasts, this article examines case studies in California and New Mexico. Continue reading...
August 16: Book Review: Without a Net- Middle Class and Homeless (with Kids) in America
Corey Beach, Policy Analyst for the Campaign to End Child Homelessness, reviewed Without a Net: Middle Class and Homeless (with Kids) in America, for SAMHSA's Homelessness Resource Center. The book presents the true story of Michelle Kennedy, a young mother working to support her family while experiencing homelessness. Her story represents the struggle of families across the country who go to sleep each night without the safety of their own home. Read the review.
August 13: Dr. Ellen Bassuk Honored by The American Psychological Association
Dr. Ellen Bassuk, President of The National Center on Family Homelessness, was honored with the Distinguished Contribution to Child Advocacy Award from the American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Bassuk is a leading clinician, researcher, and advocate on behalf of homeless families and individuals. At the forefront of homelessness for three decades, she has pioneered seminal work on understanding violence, trauma, and mental illness in the lives of homeless families and children. This award is presented annually to those who have made significant contributions to advocacy on behalf of children, youth and families. Dr. Bassuk felt privileged to receive this award from the APA.
August 6: Shelter from the Storm: Trauma-Informed Care in Homelessness Services Settings
A paper co-authored by Dr. Ellen Bassuk, President of The National Center, is featured in a special issue of the Open Health Services and Policy Journal on "The Future of Homeless Services" posted on SAMHSA's Homelessness Resource Center. Shelter from the Storm: Trauma-Informed Care in Homelessness Services Settings examines how trauma-informed care can improve the effectiveness of homeless services. The authors use a trauma-informed framework to explore best practices in avoiding traumatic experiences during care.
August 5: The Power of Peers - Creating Social Networks for Young Families in Rural Areas
What is the best way to provide services to young homeless and at-risk families in rural communities? In California's Antelope Valley, a new initiative has found that fostering social networks among young mothers helps to build social support and connectedness, and reduce isolation. In a featured article from SAMHSA's Homelessness Resource Center, the Strengthening At Risk and Homeless Young Mothers and Children program shares suggestions for encouraging social connectedness. This program is an initiative of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in partnership with The National Center on Family Homelessness, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and ZERO TO THREE. This article is written by Deb Medeiros, Director of Programs at The National Center. Read the article.
August 5: Recent News from The National Center on Family Homelessness
The National Center on Family Homelessness August 2010 Newsletter
August 4: Summertime Struggles
Summer months often lead to a surge in the number of families and children experiencing homelessness. The reasons for this surge vary, but in many communities, homeless service systems feel the burden as shelters reach capacity and budgets tighten. Family Homelessness: Summertime Struggles, written by staff from The National Center on Family Homelessness, is currently a featured article at SAMHSA's Homelessness Resource Center.
August 2: America's Youngest Outcasts: A Comparison of the Top and Bottom Ranked States
America's Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness provides a comprehensive snapshot of child homelessness in America. America's Youngest Outcasts was developed by synthesizing and analyzing complex factors that contribute to child homelessness in America, ranking the states from 1 to 50. This issue brief compares the states ranked 1 to 10 with those ranked 41 to 50 to offer a comparison of the top and bottom ranked states. Read the brief.
July 23: New Journal Article: Staffing Strategies for Organizations
A paper co-authored by Dr. Ellen Bassuk, President of The National Center on Family Homelessness, was recently published in The Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research. "Staffing Challenges and Strategies for Organizations Serving Individuals Who Have Experienced Homelessness" stresses the importance of hiring and retaining appropriate staff to serve those who have experienced chronic homelessness. This paper describes specific staffing challenges and strategies from the Collaborative Initiative to Help End Chronic Homelessness, as well as approaches to staffing such as team structure, staff supervision, and training.
July 22: Mississippi Campaign in Full Gear
At the beginning of May, the Mississippi Campaign to End Child Homelessness hosted our first Listening Tour. Since then, Mississippi Coordinator Tuwanna Williams has continued to meet with service providers, advocates, and legislators throughout the state. Tuwanna also facilitated focus groups with homeless and formerly homeless parents. Using the information gathered at these meetings, the Mississippi Campaign is in the beginning stages of drafting a Mississippi Plan to End Child Homelessness. Stay tuned for more information in the months ahead!
July 22: Recent News from the Campaign to End Child Homelessness
Campaign to End Child Homelessness July Newsletter
July 14: The National Center Partners with the Real Warriors Campaign
The National Center on Family Homelessness is partnering with the Real Warriors Campaign to support reintegration of returning service members, veterans, and their families. Without strong social networks, returning war veterans can find themselves at high risk for homelessness. There are an estimated 131,000 homeless veterans in the United States. The Real Warriors Campaign, launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, combats stigma associated with seeking psychological health care and treatment for service members. Read the press release.
July 12: Creating Trauma-Informed Homeless Services
Homelessness and trauma are inextricably linked. Many people who experience homelessness have also suffered from physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, injury, and other traumatic events. Trauma can impact all facets of a person's life and result in challenges that include mental health and substance issues, struggles maintaining housing and employment, and difficulties in relationships. Learn more.
July 8: Recent News from The National Center on Family Homelessness
The National Center on Family Homelessness July Newsletter
July 5: Supports and Services for Families Experiencing Homelessness
A paper co-authored by Dr. Ellen Bassuk, President of The National Center, is currently featured in SAMHSA's Homelessness Resource Center special issue of the Open Health Services and Policy Journal on "The Future of Homeless Services." A Framework for Developing Supports and Services for Families Experiencing Homelessness discusses the pressing need for supports and services for families who are experiencing homelessness. The paper proposes a framework for developing these vital supports based on the needs of families over time. The authors also review recent service trends and emerging evidence for service needs for homeless families.
July 5: Strengthening Relationships After Returning From War
Returning war veterans without strong social support networks may find themselves isolated and at high risk for homelessness. Strong social networks can make the difference between a stable life in the community or being on the streets. Community Circles of Support for Veterans' Families (CCSVF) is an innovative demonstration project designed to address the needs of veterans and their families. CCSVF includes evidence-based clinical interventions to help strengthen relationships among the men and women who serve our nation and their families. Continue reading this featured article from SAMHSA's Homelessness Resource Center.
July 2: Progress in New Mexico
Work on the New Mexico Campaign to End Child Homelessness is moving full steam ahead! We are working with local partners and the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department to develop a report that will respond to House Memorial 7, legislation sponsored by Representative William O'Neill. The report, due in November, will offer legislative recommendations to the Interim Health and Human Services Committee about how to address child homelessness. Additionally, the New Mexico Campaign is planning an August launch for the Albuquerque-based Strong Starts for Children Initiative. The launch will kick off a series of neighborhood dialogues aimed at developing and implementing action plans to address and prevent child and family homelessness in New Mexico communities.
July 1: Special Thanks to the Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation
Our Campaign to End Child Homelessness in America continues to take flight in partnership with the Marie C. and Joseph C. Wilson Foundation. "Giving Homeless Children a National Voice", a new national initiative within our Campaign launched with generous support from the Wilson Foundation, will drive a comprehensive national policy agenda to improve the well-being of homeless families and children. Most importantly, homeless families will be directly involved as we bring the best solutions possible to children and families experiencing homelessness. We extend our profound gratitude to the Board of Trustees of the Wilson Foundation for their ongoing leadership and dedication to helping the vulnerable, the hardest to serve, and those facing multiple challenges.
June 30: Webcast - Know Thyself: A Guide to Practical Program Evaluation
Learn how evaluation can help to improve your program! Dr. Wendy Vaulton, Director of Research and Evaluation at The National Center on Family Homelessness first presented this free webcast on June 30. Learn more. Listen to webcast recording. Download webcast slides.
June 24: In Their Own Words - Teens Living in Family Shelters
Not having a permanent place to call home can be a devastating and humiliating experience for a teenager. Teens living in family shelters often cope with a lack of privacy, social stigma, and feelings of shame. Shelter life puts limitations on simple activities, like inviting a friend over after school. The National Center's Rose Clervil recently sat down with three teens to learn more about their lives for a featured article on SAMHSA's Homelessness Resource Center. Read the article.
June 23: Recent news from the Campaign to End Child Homelessness
Campaign to End Child Homelessness June 2010 Newsletter
June 22: HEARTH: Clarifying the Definition of Homelessness
The National Center on Family Homelessness is pleased the HEARTH Act expanded the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) definition of "homeless," allowing greater numbers of children, youth, and families who are homeless to receive critical housing and support services. We are particularly encouraged by the inclusion of individuals and families who lack the resources to continue staying at a hotel or motel, and who are being asked to leave by an owner or renter with whom they are staying. We are also pleased with the inclusion of individuals and families who are fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous life or life threatening conditions. Read The National Center's comments on the HUD's proposed rule about the definition. Read the proposed rule.
June 22: The National Center on Family Homelessness Supports Federal Plan to End Homelessness
The National Center strongly supports the new Federal Strategic Plan that focuses attention and resources on preventing and ending homelessness. "Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness 2010" was released on June 22, 2010, by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. The plan includes recommendations to support children, youth, families, and veterans who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness as well as those who are chronically homeless. The plan embraces crucial policy goals which The National Center has worked to advance for many years. The National Center also supports the plan's comprehensive scope, including proposals on housing, health care, education, income, and employment. Read the press release.
June 15: Developing a Statewide Campaign to End Child Homelessness
Christina Jordan Murphy, Director of the Campaign to End Child Homelessness, joined Dr. Jaime Tamez, Executive Director of Cuidando los Ninos, in leading a workshop at the 5th Young Children Without Homes National Conference. The workshop focused on developing a statewide Campaign to End Child Homelessness based on collaborative efforts between partners in New Mexico and the national Campaign.
June 10: Recent news from The National Center on Family Homelessness
The National Center on Family Homelessness June 2010 Newsletter
June 7: On the Ground: Washington State's Planning Efforts
The State of Washington's Homeless Families Plan was created in 1997 to deliver services through programs specifically designed for homeless families, provide shelter for families experiencing homelessness, and increase access to affordable housing and support services. Originally showcased in America's Youngest Outcasts, this is one of several case studies based on innovative programs and plans around the country. Continue reading...
June 7: Support the National Housing Trust Fund
On May 28, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010, which included initial funding of $1.065 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF), as well as important provisions regarding the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. Many national, state, and local organizations, including The National Center on Family Homelessness and its Campaign to End Child Homelessness, have been advocating for the NHTF. Organizations from every state have signed a public letter supporting it. Learn more.
May 27: In Person - Education and Homelessness
Taylor is a 12-year old boy living in a shelter with his mother, Maryann. He is having a hard time at school. Taylor is impulsive and angry, often gets into fights, and has a hard time keeping up with the other students. Maryann knows that her son is capable of better work; he is often teased by other kids when they find out he lives in a shelter. Originally published in America's Youngest Outcasts, this profile is one of several based on true stories of children and families struggling with homelessness. Continue reading...
May 27: Recent news from the Campaign to End Child Homelessness
Campaign to End Child Homelessness May 2010 Newsletter
May 13: On the Ground - Comprehensive, Family-Oriented Care
The Homeless Families Program at the Family Health Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, provides comprehensive care to homeless families in a family practice, primary care setting. Originally published in America's Youngest Outcasts, this is one of several case studies based on innovative programs around the country. Continue reading...
May 12: Join The National Center's Facebook Page!
The National Center on Family Homelessness has officially launched our new Facebook page to keep you posted on the latest news and events. We invite you to become a fan and "Like" our page. We also encourage you to share the page with your friends and colleagues by posting it on your Wall. Join us on Facebook!
May 10: 2009 Annual Report
The National Center on Family Homelessness recently released our 2009 Annual Report. For more than two decades, we have been the leading voice for homeless children and families. Read the report to learn more about our research, programs, training and policy initiatives.
May 6: Mississippi Campaign to End Child Homelessness Listening Tour
The Mississippi Campaign to End Child Homelessness conducted a Listening Tour throughout the state during the first week of May. Community leaders, providers, advocates and policymakers in five regions gathered to discuss ways to prevent and end child and family homelessness throughout Mississippi. The experiences and ideas that were shared will contribute to an action plan for the Mississippi Campaign to End Child Homelessness. Thanks to our many friends in Mississippi for your valuable participation, enthusiasm and input!
April 24: New Publication - The Future of Homeless Services
The SAMHSA Homelessness Resource Center recently announced a Special Issue on "The Future of Homeless Services," published in the Open Health Services and Policy Journal. What do we know about the services and resources needed to help individuals and families exit homelessness and maintain housing? This Special Issue aims to answer this question.
April 22: Support the National Housing Trust Fund
The National Center on Family Homelessness and the Campaign to End Child Homelessness supports the funding of the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF). We have signed a national letter asking Congress to fund the NHTF. The goal is to get as many signatories as possible form all 435 Congressional Districts in order to urge every member of Congress to support the NHTF.
April 22: In Person - Housing and Homelessness
Over the next few months, The National Center on Family Homelessness will highlight stories that powerfully convey the realities of child homelessness. Originally published in America's Youngest Outcasts, these profiles are based on true stories of children and families struggling with homelessness.
Sophia: Last year, Sophia lost her job and her roommate moved out. After falling behind on her rent, she and her two children were evicted from their apartment. Now living in a shelter, she has applied for a housing voucher, but the wait list is long. Continue reading...
March 25-26: 2010 New Mexico Summit to End Child Homelessness
Over 175 homeless service providers, children's advocates, community leaders, and state and elected officials gathered in Albuquerque for the 2010 New Mexico Summit to End Child Homelessness. The Summit provided many opportunities for attendees to contribute to the development of the New Mexico Campaign to End Child Homelessness. Christina Jordan Murphy, director of the national Campaign to End Child Homelessness, spoke during the opening plenary. New Mexico's Secretary of Children, Youth and Families Department Dorian Dodson and Secretary of Education Veronica Garcia gave keynote addresses. The Campaign looks forward to working with New Mexico partners to implement a plan to end child homelessness based on feedback collected at the Summit. Learn more.
March 22: Everyday Democracy in New Mexico
The New Mexico Campaign to End Child Homelessness is a proud recipient of funding from the Everyday Democracy Strong Starts for Children initiative. This program is designed to help communities find ways for people from all walks of life to work together for the success of all children. This project will continue through next year in the Southeast Heights, Downtown and South Valley neighborhoods of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and will inform statewide activities.
March 10: One Year Later - Campaign to End Child Homelessness
One year ago on March 10, 2009, The National Center on Family Homelessness launched the Campaign to End Child Homelessness before a standing-room only crowd at a Congressional Briefing in Washington, DC. On that day, The National Center released America's Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness. The finding that one in 50 children are homeless in America each year shocked the nation and served as a call to action. Since then, the Campaign has made significant progress toward increasing public awareness of the problem, informing federal and state policies and plans, and identifying and sharing best practices to prevent and end child homelessness. Read more about the Campaign's activities, including recommendations to the USICH about the Federal Plan to End Homelessness.
March 15: Community Collaborative for Change Announces Grantees
The National Center on Family Homelessness is excited to announce the grantees in the Community Collaborative for Change Network. Agencies were selected to participate by demonstrating a strong commitment to strengthening their capacity to improve outcomes for individuals and/or families who are homeless or at-rsik of homelessness. Congratulations to all of the grantees!
March 8: Trauma-Informed Organizational Toolkit
The prevalence of traumatic stress in the lives of families experiencing homelessness is extraordinarily high. Often, these families have experienced repeated trauma throughout their lives in the form of childhood abuse and neglect, domestic violence, community violence, and trauma associated with poverty and the loss of home, safety, and sense of security. These experiences have a significant impact on how people think, feel, behave, relate to others, and cope with future experiences.
With support from the Daniels Fund, National Child Traumatic Stress Network, SAMHSA's Homelessness Resource Center, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the National Center on Family Homelessness created the Trauma-Informed Organizational Toolkit. The Toolkit offers shelters and housing programs with concrete guidelines to modify their practices and policies to ensure they are responding appropriately to the needs of families who have experienced trauma. Learn more.
March 8: On the Ground - Housing First
Over the next few months, The National Center on Family Homelessness will highlight ways that communities are addressing child and family homelessness. Originally published in America's Youngest Outcasts, these case studies are based on innovative programs around the country.
Housing First: Beyond Shelter was established in 1988 to respond to the growing number of homeless families in Los Angeles. Since families were not effectively served by standard services, the agency sought to develop a more comprehensive approach. Beyond Shelter's Housing First program is an innovative, cost-effective strategy for ending and preventing family homelessness. Continue reading...
March 4: Contribute to the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness!
The National Center on Family Homelessness is participating in meetings with the US Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) to discuss development of the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. This plan will guide the development of federal programs and budget proposals towards a set of measurable targets and will reflect federal interagency agreements on priorities and strategies over the next five years.
The USICH is now providing an opportunity for you to express your opinion about this very important plan! The USICH's new interactive website - USICH Preventing and Ending Homelessness - is a place for your voice to be heard. In addition to posting your ideas, once someone has posted an idea of their own, you can vote for and comment on their suggestions. USICH Preventing and Ending Homelessness will be reviewed by USICH staff, and the ideas that receive the most votes and comments will be assessed for possible inclusion in the Federal Strategic Plan. The site is open for posting, voting and commenting through Monday, March 22.
March 3: Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness 2010 Annual Conference
The National Center on Family Homelessness attended the GA Alliance to End Homelessness 2010 Annual Conference on March 3-5 in Atlanta. Christina Jordan Murphy represented the Campaign to End Child Homelessness and worked with participants to update the GA Plan to End Homelessness for Families and Children. Katie Volk of The National Center lead several workshops for conference participants.
March 1: Mississippi State Coordinator
The Campaign to End Child Homelessness welcomes Tuwanna Williams to our staff. Tuwanna is coordinating the activities of the Mississippi Campaign to End Child Homelessness. Her previous experiences include working at the United Way in Jackson, MS, Mississippi Housing Initiative, MS Conference of Black Mayors, and the Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance. Please join us in welcoming Tuwanna to the Campaign to End Child Homelessness!
February 17: Federal Workgroup on Veteran Homelessness
Risa Greendlinger, Project Director of Community Circles of Support for Veterans' Families, shared her expertise about veterans who are homeless with the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) at a meeting with USICH staff, federal staff, and advocates to discuss the Federal Plan to End Homelessness. The meeting is on of several hosted by USICH around the country to inform development of the plan. Read the comments The National Center submitted to USICH about veterans who are homeless.
February 17: U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Update
Christina Jordan Murphy of the Campaign to End Child Homelessness participated in a United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) meeting with USICH staff, federal staff and advocates to discuss development of the Federal Plan to End Homelessness. The meeting is one of several hosted by USICH around the country to inform development of the plan. Read the recommendations submitted by The National Center on Family Homelessness. Learn more about how you can help develop the Federal Plan to End Homelessness.
February 12: Conference on Ending Family Homelessness
Staff from The National Center on Family Homelessness presented at the 2010 National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference on Ending Family Homelessness on February 12, 2010 in Los Angeles. Christina Jordan Murphy presented data from America's Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness, discussed the challenges of homelessness for children throughout the country, and detailed how the Campaign to End Child Homelessness is addressing this national tragedy. She also moderated a workshop about connecting homeless children with services in the community. Kathleen Guarino presented a workshop about how to support and retain staff to provide quality client services.
February 8: Homelessness Resource Center Online Trainings
Download the What About You? Tools to Promote Self-Care presentation and workbook. The National Center on Family Homelessness and the Homelessness Resource Center hosted almost 250 participants for this online training on January 26. Learn more about other online training opportunities.
February 8: Military Family Literature and Resource Review
The National Center on Family Homelessness recently released Understanding the Experience of Military Families and Their Returning War Fighters: Military Literature and Resource Review. Military families face unique stressors associated with deployment and reintegration. This review provides a snapshot of the key issues affecting military families during and after their time of service, as well as the impact of adverse military experiences, which may lead to unemployment and homelessness. The Walmart Foundation underwrote the needs assessment that lead to the creation of the multi-site demonstration project Community Circles of Support for Veterans Families and this literature and resource review.
January 21: Institute for Children and Poverty 2010 Conference
Katie Volk of The National Center on Family Homelessness presented at The Institute for Children and Poverty's 2010 Conference, Children, Poverty and Homelessness: From Research to Policy, From Policy to Practice. The panel discussion, "Homelessness in America: A National Look at a Local Issue," focused on the scope of homelessness nationally and how that information can be useful to local communities.
January 14: U.S. Interagency Council January Update
Christina Jordan Murphy of the Campaign to End Child Homelessness joined advocates at a meeting with Barbara Poppe, Executive Director of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, to discuss development of the federal plan to end homelessness. The Campaign is working with the Interagency Council to ensure the federal plan addresses the unique needs of children and families. The National Center on Family Homelessness would like to congratulate Jennifer Ho, Anthony Love, and Sharon Price who will be joining the Interagency Council as deputy directors. The National Center has been fortunate to have worked with both Jennifer and Anthony, and we look forward to continued collaboration in their new positions.
January 8: The Campaign to End Child Homelessness Moves Forward in New Mexico
The Campaign to End Child Homelessness held a second strategic planning meeting in Albuquerque with local children's advocates, homeless service providers, and state and elected officials. The group met to prepare for the 2010 New Mexico Summit to End Child Homelessness set for March 25-26, and the launch of the New Mexico Campaign.
January 4: Thank You for Your Support!
Thanks to the outpouring of support, The National Center on Family Homelessness has won two important awards: $10,000 from the Cambridge Savings Bank Community Gift Program and the GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Food and Shelter Nonprofit Award. Thank you for your votes and positive reviews!