Want to Know More About Homelessness?

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You Can Help Fight Homelessness—armed with some facts…

Homelessness is a devastating experience for children and their families.

The upheaval these children experience means much more than not having a home. It damages the physical and emotional health of FAMILY members, interfering with children's education and development, and frequently results in the separation of FAMILY members. As the following statistics clearly indicate, the impact of homelessness crosses all sectors of our community. We must find permanent solutions to homelessness so no more children will suffer its harmful effects.

  • Homelessness affects children's education
    According to a study by the Better Homes Fund, homeless children:
    - Have four times the rate of delayed development;
    - Are in special education programs at a rate three times higher
    than other children;
    - Are suspended twice as often as non-homeless children;
    - Attend an average of two different schools in a single year.

  • Homelessness Causes Health Problems
    Homeless children have:
    - Four times as many respiratory infections;
    - Five times as many stomach infections;
    - Twice as many emergency hospitalizations;
    - Six times as many speech and stammering problems;
    - Four times the rate of asthma as non-homeless children.
    - More than 20% of young homeless children have serious emotional problems.

  • Homeless Children Experience Abuse and Neglect
    The causes of child abuse are complex, but there is substantial evidence that poverty is associated with child maltreatment and violence in FAMILY environments:
    - 57% of homeless school-aged children have witnessed or been victims of violence.
    - Domestic violence affects 63% of homeless parents.
    - Over 60% of homeless single mothers grew up in the foster care system.

FAMILY of Woodstock provides comprehensive shelter and supportive services for individuals and families who are homeless through its network of homeless, youth, and domestic violence shelters

FAMILY'S Programs Fighting Homelessness
(Click below for contact information)