Snapshoots for the homeless

Good Morning Yahoo!

Foreclosure can leead to homelessness..... There is help.

During these tough economic times many people have become homeless for the first time because they loose their jobs and ultimately loose their homes. If you are behiind on mortgage payments or know someone who is....there is help. Broward County has a list of resources that can be used. Below is one that you can use to get help to prevent loosing your home.

Foreclosure Prevention Program

Home Owner Services

Tips to Avoid Foreclosure:

Contact Your Lender
Open and Respond to All Mail from Your Lender
Contact a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency
Create a Personal Budget
Review Your Financial Resources
Consider Ways to Increase Income and Reduce Expenses
Make Sure You Try Saving Money
Foreclosure Prevention Program

This Program is designed to preserve the affordable housing stock of Broward County for single family home owners who need assistance in the form of a deferred payment loan to pay defaulted mortgages where the home owner is in default at least thirty (30) days. The property must be owner occupied, and home must meet program qualifications and guidelines.

The program is administered by:

Broward County Housing Authority
4780 North State Road 7
Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319

Phyllis Brown
(954) 739-1114 Extension 2304
For more detailed information about foreclosure proceedings and processes, please visit the Housing and Urban Development, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Clerk of Court websites at the links below. To further define your search, you may type “foreclosure” in the keyword search boxes on the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Internal Revenue Service sites.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Internal Revenue Service
Broward County Clerk of Court

Homeless Announcement

COLD WEATHER EMERGENCY ADVISORY


Date: December 2, 2008 Time: 9:30 A.M.


The National Weather Service forecasts a low temperature, including wind chill, in the mid-40s in parts of Broward overnight tonight.


Broward County has declared a cold weather emergency. Homeless persons are advised to report to the following locations, no later than 6:30 p.m. tonight, Dec. 2, 2008 for transportation to special cold night shelters:



• Pompano Beach Pompano Beach City Hall 100 W. Atlantic Blvd

(S. side parking lot)



• Fort Lauderdale The Salvation Army 1445 West Broward Blvd


• Hollywood Corner of N. 21 Ave & Lincoln St and/or Corner of N. 21 Ave & Sherman St (both East of railroad tracks)


Please notify homeless persons in your area of this plan.

Homeless Announcement

Cold Weather Shelter for the Homeless

COLD WEATHER EMERGENCY ADVISORY

Date: November 18, 2009 Time: 12:30 P.M.

The National Weather Service forecasts a low temperature, including wind chill, in the mid-40s overnight.

Broward County has declared a cold weather emergency. Homeless persons are advised to report to the following locations, no later than 6:30 p.m. for transportation to special cold night shelters:


• Pompano Beach Pompano Beach City Hall 100 W. Atlantic Blvd
(S. side parking lot)

• Fort Lauderdale The Salvation Army 1445 West Broward Blvd
Hollywood Corner of N. 21 Ave & Lincoln St and/or Corner of N. 21 Ave & Sherman St (both East of railroad tracks)


Please notify homeless persons in your area of this plan.

Homeless Awareness Event

ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Miami Rescue Mission and Broward Outreach Centers are having their 2nd Annual Great Fall Sleep-A-Thon only a few days away. It starts at 6 PM at Markham Park in Sunrise, Fl on Nov. 14, 2008. This will be a time to raise awareness of homelessness in South Florida as well as help raise funds for our Centers in Miami, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach. We need you to get involved. Visit their websites at http://www.miamirescuemission.com or http://www.browardoutreachcenter.com for more information and to register online. Go directly to the Sleep-A-Thon Page at www.miamirescuemission.com/sleepathon08.htm

Providers are free to come and set up a table (no $$ but we need an application as a participant with your agency's info)
This is not just about the Centers, it is about homelessness in South Florida and we need as many people to attend as possible. There will be media present and also residents from our Centers.

There will be food, entertainment, special speakers, and surprises.

If you can't come, will you tell your friends about this event? We want the homeless and needy to know that they are not forgotten and that there is help to get off the streets and become successful in life.

Community Event for Haiti Relief

Community Event
Event details: Hait Relief Program
Date: 11/07/08
Venue: Broward County
Start Time: 6:30PM
Description: On Friday, November 7, 2008, at 6 pm, Children Of Kourage, Youth Empowerment Program will host and render a solidarity program for Haiti Hurricane Relief Efforts. We hope that the Boyd H. Anderson families, friends, and communities will be in mass attendance as well as local city officials. Consulate, Alex Mathurin will be in attendance. Inspirational Artiste Debbi Verbz has also confirmed.

It will be a night of theatrical arts and endeavors, compelling brotherly love to our fellow Haitians.

In light of the triple Hurricane disaster, the night will be dedicated to the victims of the recent natural disasters. Our small group has only begun pulling the chariot, but great help is needed in arriving our destination. A larger fragment of Children Of Kourage members is of Caribbean decent and has discovered peace with in the qualities of the program. Through this night of charity, we hope that everyone will join hands and hearts. Our kids have put a lot of time, energy, and pride in writing a play dedicated to Haiti’s devastation. Along with their show, they have choreographed cultural dances and inspirational songs to deliver. This is proof that when children are educated about their culture as a whole, they will put aside differences and finally bridge the gap; meaning, helping each other through out our nations inner prejudices.

Our hearts goes out to the people of the Gulf coast and on behalf of the children of Haiti, we hope this doing will make a sizable donation to aid in hurricane relief efforts.

Location: 3050 NW 41st Street

Career & College Fair

Career Fair for Youth
Event details: College/Career Fair
Date: 11/08/08
Venue: Broward County
Start Time: 1:00PM
End time: 5:00PM
Description: TEAMMVPSPORTS.ORG

COLLEGE/CAREER FAIR

LOCATION: DILLARD HIGH SCHOOL

TIME:1PM-5PM
Location: FORT LAUDERDALE

Community Yard Sale Event

Weekend Event
Event details: Biggest Yard Yale - Lauderhill
Date: 11/08/08
Venue: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits (map)
Start Time: 09:00AM
End time: 1:00PM
Description: BIGGEST YARD SALE EVER IN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL! Have little or no money to shop for the holidays? Don't loose your mind! First Church of the Open Bible Pre-School is pulling out all the stops to make available brand new and lightly worn men,women and children's shoes and clothing. Designer clothes,trendy accessories as well as lightly used toys will be sold at rock bottom prices to help you stretch your dollars in our ailing economy. COME EARLY...LEAVE HAPPY!!!

Location: First Church of the Open Bible Pre-School 2030 NW 49th Avenue (opposite Lauderhill Middle School)

Employment for Ex-Offenders

A job site for ex-offenders.


Ex-offedners in Broward County now have another tool to assist with the challenge of finding employment. A very helpful site that specifically helps ex-offenders connect with employers who hire ex-offenders is www.hard2hire.org

If you have access to the internet log on to the site select search for jobs, create a profile, and begin connecting with employers.

Early Voting Wait Times

New Service Allows Voters To Check Out "Wait Times" at Early Voting Sites

Broward County Supervisor of Elections
DATE: October 22, 2008
MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Cooney, Supervisor of Elections Office
PHONE: 954-712-1960
MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Sarver, Broward County Office of Public Communications
PHONE: 954-357-7583

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Supervisor of Elections Office, announces a convenient new service that allows residents to call ahead or visit the Web site for wait times at early voting locations.

It is anticipated that turnout throughout the early voting period will continue to be high, and residents may encounter lines at some locations. Using a new service just launched by Broward County, voters are encouraged to check wait times at early voting locations before going to the polls. Call the Broward County Call Center at 3-1-1 or 954-831-4000 (954-831-3940 TTY for the hearing-impaired), or visit www.broward.org or www.browardsoe.org and click on "Early Voting Wait Times." Posted wait times at all Early Voting locations are updated regularly.

Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler, the Board of County Commissioners and Broward County Supervisor of Elections, Dr. Brenda C. Snipes, urge all registered voters to take advantage of early voting and the conveniences it offers:

Early voting continues through Sunday, November 2. There are 17 early voting locations, including select branch libraries, city halls and courthouses. For a complete list of early voting sites, visit the Supervisor of Elections Web site at www.browardsoe.org and click on "Early Voting" under "Voting Methods."
Residents who wish to vote early can do so at any of the designated early voting locations, regardless of their normal voting precinct. Locations are open Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
To save time at the polls, voters are encouraged to study the ballot in advance and be prepared with their choices.
Need a ride to an early voting location? Broward County Transit (BCT) bus routes serve 14 of the 17 Early Voting locations. To plan your trip, visit www.broward.org/bct or call BCT Customer Service at 954-357-8400 (954-357-8302 TTY for the hearing-impaired).

Important Update on Absentee Ballots

The last day residents can request an absentee ballot is Wednesday, October 29. Requests for absentee ballots may be made by mail, telephone at 954-357-7055, online at www.browardsoe.org, or in person at one of the following locations:

Deerfield Beach: North Regional County Courthouse, 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd, Room 170
Fort Lauderdale: Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Room 102
Hollywood: South Regional County Courthouse, 3550 Hollywood Blvd., Room 180
Lauderhill: Lauderhill Mall, 1501 NW 40th Ave.
Plantation: West Regional County Courthouses, 100 N. Pine Island Road, Room 130
The Supervisor of Elections will mail out absentee ballots through Friday, October 31.

Voted absentee ballots may be delivered by mail or in person to any office of the Supervisor of Elections. Please use the pre-addressed, return envelope provided and remember to sign the back side of the envelope before returning it. Return postage is $1.17.

Ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections by 7 p.m. on November 4

VOTE!

Broward County Readies for Early Voting

BCT Identifies Bus Routes to Early Voting Locations

DATE: October 17, 2008
CONTACT: Doris Williams, Broward County Transit Division
PHONE: 954-357-6786
CONTACT: Mary Cooney, Supervisor of Elections
PHONE: 954-712-1960

Early Voting for the national general election on November 4 will begin next week. One Broward County agency, Broward County Transit (BCT), is making it easier for residents to get to Early Voting sites.

BCT has made available a list of the bus routes that serve 14 of the Early Voting locations. There are 17 locations countywide. Residents who plan on using Broward County Transit to vote early can plan their trip by visiting www.broward.org/bct or call customer service at 954-357-8400.

Early Voting begins on Monday, October 20 at various locations across the County including select branch libraries, city halls and courthouses. Hours of operations are Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10.a.m. - 3 p.m.; and Sunday 1-4 p.m. Early Voting will end on Sunday, November 2. For a complete list of Early Voting sites, visit the Supervisor of Elections web site at www.browardsoe.org. and select "Early Voting" under "Voting Methods."

Voters who have requested absentee ballots should know that absentee ballots are mailed out approximately two to three weeks prior to Election Day. Requests for absentee ballots can be made in person at the Supervisor of Elections' main office downtown Fort Lauderdale or at branch offices located in Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Lauderhill and Plantation; by mail, by telephone or online.

On Election Day, November 4, all polling locations will be open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

BCT Early Voting Routes
Absentee Ballot Requests

Job Fair !

Upcoming Job Fair:

Broward Business Leardership Network in partnership with 211 is conducting the 4th Annual Job Fair for people with disabilities and a seminar series for employers. John Kemp, Executive Director of United States Business Leardership Network will be the keynote speaker. For additional information please call (954) 722-6400/ TTY (954) 735-0963 or email pmasters@cilbroward.org.

Location: Nova Southeastern University
Carl DeSantis Building
3301 College Avenue
Davie, FL 33314

Time: Thursday, October 16, 2008 8:00am - 4:00pm

Upcoming Community Events

Event details: Annual 5K Run/Walk
Date: 10/11/08
Venue: Broward County
Start Time: 07:30AM
Description: AVDA, Inc. (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, inc.) Annual 5K Run/Walk - Saturday October 11, 2008 at 7:30 am Anchor Park, Delray Beach. Lots of prizes and fun for the entire family. Call for details on how to enter.

Location: Anchor Park
Address: A1A - Delray Beach
For More Information Please Call: 561-265-3797 x 102
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Event details: 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat
Date: 10/31/08
Venue: Broward County
Start Time: 6:30PM
End time: 8:30PM
Description: Free admission to the community! Bring your family and enjoy a SAFE and FUN night celebrating Halloween. Games-Candy-Trick or Treating-Ghost Stories All ages welcome and FREE admission to the community.

Location: Greater Hollywood YMCA Family Center

Food for low income families

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

This program helps put healthy food on the table for 28 million people each month.

As of Oct. 1, 2008, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new
name for the federal Food Stamp Program.

The new name reflects our focus on nutrition and putting healthy food within reach for low income households. Changes have been made to make the Program more accessible.
Although SNAP will be the national name, your State may use a different name.
SNAP helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health. You apply for benefits by completing a State application form. Benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM card and accepted at most grocery stores.
Through nutrition education partners, SNAP helps clients learn to make healthy eating and active lifestyle choices.

Florida Hotline number 1-866 762-2237 or go to www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/foodstamps.shtml

Ex-Offenders for Hire

Here is a list of employers that hire ex-offenders with support from the Federal Bonding Program:

Marriott Hotels, AT&T, FPL, HRS, Hyatt Hotels, Peabody Hotels, Publix, Sea World, Rollins Collage, Sheraton Resorts, Southern Bell, Southland Corporation, Stoutter Resorts, Sun Trust, Tupperware, UPS, Universal Studios, University of Central Florida, Disney & Disney Village.

The Federal Bonding Program helps secure jobs placement for ex-offenders and others who have difficulty getting jobs, the United States Department of Labor has created a Federal Bonding Program (FBP). The FBP insures the employee for up to one year. The FBP guarantees trustworthiness of the employee and provides incentives for employers to hire ex-offenders. For immediate help, contact your local state employment service www.bonds4jobs.com

Angel Food Ministry Sites....Access to Affordable Food

Community Voice mail encourages all in need to Contact Angel food Minitries for affordable food.
Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. The program began in 1994 with 34 families in Monroe, Georgia (between Atlanta and Athens), and has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of families every month across 35 states. Angel Food Ministries crosses denominational lines and has spread the good news of the gospel of Christ through salvation tracts that are placed in each food order.

Blessings by the box
Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78.

Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.

Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.

It's both a Bargain and a Blessing!
Sample Menu:
(this month's menu can be viewed here)

4 lb. IQF Leg Quarters
4 oz. Beef Back Ribs
1 lb. 80/20 Lean Ground Beef
2 lb. Breaded Chicken Tenders
1.5 lb. Bone in Pork Chops (4 x 6oz.)
1 lb. Ground Turkey
18 oz. Stuffed Manicotti (Cheese)
12 oz. Smoked Sausage
Betty Crocker Seasoned Potatoes
7 oz. Cheeseburger Dinner
16 oz. Green Beans
16 oz. Baby Carrots
2 lb. Onions
1 lb. Pinto Beans
1 lb. Rice
7 oz. Blueberry Muffin Mix
10 ct. Homestyle Waffles
Dessert Item

FLORIDA
BOCA RATON Victory Christian Center 561-391-2800
COOPER CITY The Pentecostals of Cooper City 954-680-0710
954-680-0670
HOLLYWOOD First Assembly of God 954-922-5546
954-536-3024
Harvest Time Church 954-966-8444
MIAMI Lord of Life Lutheran Church 305-387-4529
MIAMI LAKES Panorama Christian Center 305-698-0765 x202
MIRAMAR Keys to Life Church 954-987-3611
PEMBROKE PINES Evangel Temple World Wide 954-793-9873

Heritage Day Event

Date: 09/27/08
Venue: Broward County
Start Time: 09:00AM
End time: 5:00PM
Description: St. John United Methodist Church will be hosting a community festival on Saturday, September 27th 2008 from 9am-5pm at 1520 Northwest 5th Street in Ft. Lauderdale.

In this election year, the Theme for this year's Heritage Day Celebration is "Working Together for a Stronger United Community". The event will encompass a Blood Drive, Food Drive for Hurricane Victims in Haiti, and the very important VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE!!!!!

Attendees can enjoy card games, dominoes, checkers and the African game Mancala at will, and for the youths, a Bounce House & Inflated MEGA Slide!!!!!!

There will be vendors of Crafts, Art and African attire, and Food for purchase!!!!

This event is free and open to everyone looking to have a great time and fellowship with the community.

Location: 1520 nw 5th street ft. lauderdale

The Law has Passed

ANNOUNCEMENT --- the governer of the state of Florida has passed a law that if your address doesn't match your drivers license address you will not be allowed to vote:

It is imperative that you take every action to have your address updated and corrected before this November.

Here is the link to get it done online:

.hsmv.state.fl.us/VirtualOffice/faces/lobby.jsp

Voter Registrtion Info

Who Can Register to Vote
In order to register to vote in Florida, you must:

Be a citizen of the United States of America;
Be a Florida resident;
Be 18 years old (you may pre-register to vote if you are 17 years old or have received a valid Florida driver’s license, whichever occurs earlier);
Not now be adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state;
Not have been convicted of a felony without your civil rights having been restored; and
Provide your current and valid Florida driver’s license number or Florida identification card number. You must provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number if you do not have a Florida driver’s license number or a Florida identification card number. If you do not have any of these items, you must mark the box indicated on the Voter Registration Application as “NONE.”

How to Apply to Register to Vote
Fill in the Voter Registration Application online. If you wish, you can print the application and write your information in with a black ballpoint pen.
Print the application out.
Verify that all of the information on your application is complete. The office where you register, your decision not to register, your Social Security Number, Florida driver’s license number and your Florida identification card number will remain confidential and will be used only for voter registration purposes.
Sign your application. The application requires an original signature because you are swearing or affirming to an oath.
Place the application in an envelope with a first class stamp.
Mail the application to your county Supervisor of Elections. You may also opt to mail or hand deliver the application to any Supervisor of Elections' office in the state, a driver’s license office, a voter registration agency, an armed forces recruitment office, or the Division of Elections.
If your application is complete and you qualify as a voter, the Supervisor of Elections will mail you a voter information card as official notification that you are registered to vote. Make sure all of the information on your card is correct. If you do not receive your card within 8 weeks, or if you have any questions, call your Supervisor of Elections.
You must be registered for at least 29 days before you can vote in an election.
If the information on the application is not true, the applicant can be convicted of a felony of the third degree and fined up to $5,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 5 years.


Dates to Remember When Registering to Vote
Your Registration Date
For new applicants, your registration date is the date your completed application is postmarked or hand delivered to any Supervisor of Elections' office in the state, a driver’s license office, a voter registration agency, an armed forces recruitment office, or the Division of Elections.

When You Can Vote
You must be registered for at least 29 days before you can vote in an election. Since Florida is a closed primary state, only voters who are registered members of a political parties may vote for their respective party's candidates in a primary election. Voters without party affiliation are not eligible to vote for party candidates in a primary election. However, a constitutional amendment adopted in 1998 states that IF all candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner will have no opposition in the general election, all qualified voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in the primary election for that office. Party changes must be made by the end of the 29th day before the Primary Election. If you are not registered to vote in the political party for which the primary election is being held, you may vote for nonpartisan candidates and issues.

2008 Voter Registration Book Closing Dates
You can apply to register to vote at any time. However, to vote in an election, you must be registered in the state by the book closing date, which is normally the 29th day before each election. The book closing dates for the 2008 election cycle are:

July 28, 2008..................Primary Election
October 6, 2008.............General Election

National Homeless & Low Income Voter Registration Week

This week, Sept 21-27th, is National Homeless & Low Income Voter Registration Week

Video from CNN re: registering homeless voters
September 21: "Reaching Homeless Voters," (http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/09/20/natpkg.homeless.voters.cnn?iref=videosearch)

a piece by CNN about registering to vote, featuring the National Coalition for the Homeless.



National Coalition for the Homeless – voter info

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/getinvolved/projects/vote/legalissues.html



National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty – voter info

http://www.nlchp.org/news.cfm?id=1

CVM Animation....Says it all

click and get a full understanding of the program

www.communityvoicemail.org/homeless_animation.cfm

New CVM site.

CVM partners With Another New Site
The Inland Empire CVM program is the latest partnership between Community Voice Mail and Inland Empire United Way.

Community Voice Mail Announcement

The Coalition to End Homelessness has taken another huge step in the fight to End Homelessness with the introduction of Community Voice Mail. Launched in July 2008 to serve people in crisis and transition in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area Community Voice Mail is a free, reliable, voice mail service. The mail boxes allow the user to have a private phone number that connects to a voice mail service which allows them to receive confidential messages 24 hours a day. Community Voice Mail partners with thousands of agencies across the U.S. to serve the homeless, domestic violence victims, veterans, the unemployed, foster youth, and disaster victims. To qualify for the service applicants must only have a need to communicate and be low-income, homeless, in crisis or in transition. Eligibility is determined by each agency managing an allocated block of numbers and applicants can only get numbers from a participating agency.

The Coalition to end Homelessness is confronting the homelessness situation at every turn. In this era of instant communications, having a phone number, something most of us take for granted, can be the key to survival and self-sufficiency for people in crisis or transition. This innovative program will empower the homeless residents and improve their ability to conduct the business of their lives.

Community Voice is a National Program that has proven effectiveness for over 16 years by helping over 41,000 people annually reclaim their lives. Ms. Ginny a former Seattle homeless women said it best…”Since I got CVM everything changed. Everything became possible. I was able to find work and find a home. It gave me a new start on life.” With 44 sites nationally and growing CVM is an incredible tool for empowering the homeless throughout the country. Now we are very excited about providing this program to the residents of Ft. Lauderdale.

Being homeless entails so many disadvantages -- and for years this community has responded with shelters, meals and counseling. These efforts are essential and compassionate. The homeless men and women need one more piece of the puzzle to get them connected -- a phone number to give somebody for a call back. It hurt their self esteem and often meant missed opportunities -- now they have it

This program has the potential to extend to the entire South Florida region with support of our great community. For agency participation and or financial support please contact Gerald Peterkin Program Director for CVM.

gpeterkin@help4homeless.org
Phone: 954-792-4000

Public Concern.....

Public concern about homelessness in the United States has increased in recent years. A late 1995 Gallup poll found that 86% of Americans feel sympathy for the homeless, and 33% report that they feel more sympathy now than they did five years ago. According to the same poll, one reason for this apparent increase in sympathy is that 17% of Americans, primarily women and young adults, believe that they could become homeless.1 The fact that these groups are concerned about homelessness reflects, in part, two decades of increases in the visibility of homeless women and children in the United States. Published reports suggest that most homeless families with children are headed by single women between the ages of 26 and 30 who have never been married and have two children.2

Because shelter is a basic human need, it is not surprising that the effects of homelessness on children and families appear to be harsh and multifaceted. According to one study, homeless women are significantly more likely to have low birth weight babies than are similar poor women who are housed.3 Others report that, compared to the general population of children, homeless children have twice as many health problems, are more likely to go hungry, and have higher rates of developmental delay; and although findings have not been consistent, higher rates of depression, anxiety, and behavior problems have been reported for homeless children.4 Because, however, as discussed in this article, collecting reliable and comprehensive information about the population of homeless families with children is very difficult, accurately estimating the size, scope, and impact of homelessness among families with children in the United States has been almost impossible. 5 Estimates of the size and composition of the population of homeless families and children are important, however, to understand the etiology and consequences of homelessness, to design effective programs and policies to address the problem, and to evaluate whether interventions are working.

This Child Indicators article focuses on available data on homeless families and children. First, it reviews different definitions of homelessness and the most common methods used to estimate the size of the homeless population. It then examines data on subgroups of homeless children and youths in the United States and considers the duration of homelessness for families with children that use shelter services. Finally, it examines trends in the numbers of families who are at risk of losing their housing.

Estimates of the size of the homeless population vary, depending on the definition of homelessness used. Even when definitions are clear and consistent, the methods used to count the homeless differ widely. Estimates of the number of homeless at one point in time or for a period of time can be made. In practice, homeless families and children are a difficult group to find and track, and few estimates that focus on children specifically have been made. Using a variety of techniques, the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) estimated that between 80,000 and 400,000 children were likely to be homeless or doubled up, living with friends and extended family, on any given night in 1988. Based on the GAO's "best" estimates, many more children were doubled up (186,000 in 1988) than living in shelters or other community settings provided for homeless families (68,000 in 1988). The length of homelessness for families tends to be short (less than three months), although there is evidence that a small group of families is homeless for years. Data on trends in actual homelessness are not available, but trends in the number of single-parent families in extreme poverty, conditions that tend to precede homelessness for families, suggest a large increase in the population of potentially homeless families since 1975.