Homeless Children

Can you imagine what it’s like trying to raise children in a homeless shelter?At the end of the day, Zack watches his friends go home to parents waiting with milk and cookies while he takes the bus ‘home’ to a crowded, chaotic shelter.

There are as many as 50,000 homeless children in the state public school system, according to the Mass Department of Education. The average age of a homeless child is eight. Grades falter in times of transition as children change schools on average twice a year. It takes 4-6 months just to catch up.*

The statistics are alarming. As the economy “melts down” and goes through its adjustment, numbers of homeless are rising. Services will be cut as state budgets are cut. And where’s the bailout for the homeless? We’ve seen Wall Street bailed out and people say “Why not Main Street?” Well, what about people who are ‘on the street?’

Since 1999, the Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund (CHAF)’s community coalition has raised $1,350,000 to open doors for more than 1400 homeless and near homeless at risk families. Realtors, banks, other businesses and universities have come together with concerned citizens and civic leaders to help our neighbors in need. Yet there’s more to do!You can help! Volunteer, join CHAF’s board, talk to your local business about sponsoring, or make a contribution. You can help the homeless to find homes!

Can you imagine what it’s like trying to raise children in a homeless shelter?

To make a financial contribution to CHAF, mail your check to:

Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund
678 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 502
Cambridge, MA 02138

or, click here.

*Info from Homework Help for Kids Without Homes by Monica Brady-Myerov at WBUR.org