Tragic problem rises in U.S., Atlanta: homeless kids

Child and family homelessness is more widespread than many think, but a recent study released by the National Center on Family Homelessness revealed just how widespread it is, citing an alarming figure that one out of every 50 children experiences homelessness. Let that sink in for a minute.

Georgia fared especially poorly among states: 49th in child homelessness per capita, child wellbeing, risk for child homelessness, state policy and planning.

From my vantage point at the Atlanta Children’s Shelter, I can attest that family homelessness is at an all-time high in Georgia, due partly to the current economic crisis and fewer families being able to afford housing. While some find refuge in shelters, others sleep on floors and sofas of friends and relatives, live in cars or abandoned residences, or make makeshift arrangements.

The experience of homelessness is tragic, but for homeless families, the grave impacts on child development make it even more so. Compared with their middle-class and even poor peers who have homes, young homeless children have more developmental delays, anxiety, depression and behavioral issues.

Without intervention, the inevitable consequence is a child unprepared for school, which leads to poorer academic work, lower likelihood of high school graduation and crippled earning potential. In short, many are doomed from the start.

The NCFH report points out that most states have inadequate plans to address the worsening and often-overlooked problem. The study recommends more government action including beefed-up federal spending on low-income housing and more investment in child care for homeless children.

Atlanta is fortunate to have many agencies addressing family and child homelessness. But most shelters operate at or above capacity. In the past year, there have been dramatic spikes in the number of homeless women with children seeking help.

As a community, we must realize the urgency of child and family homelessness and step up as individuals by supporting local organizations. The Atlanta Children’s Shelter, like others, relies on community support (nearly 90 percent of our funding comes from private sources) and the services we provide can make a tremendous difference by giving these families the chance they deserve to return to self-sufficiency.

Georgia may have ranked close to last, but I recently watched in awe as several hundred people walked and jogged through downtown during our first “Strides of March” 5K fund-raiser. There is no question that our community is becoming more aware of this important issue, and as hundreds of feet pounded the pavement that Sunday, it sounded to me like the first step toward a better future for the one in every 50 kids.

• Jackye Brown is the executive director of the Atlanta Children’s Shelter.