'Tis the Season: Families face homelessness in the summer months, too

(ARA) - When most of us recall the summer months of our childhood, we think of the thrill of that last day of school, an afternoon at a local pool or a nearby lake, riding bikes with the neighborhood kids, going to see fireworks or enjoying picnics at a local park. But for many children, summer is a considerably more trying time of the year, one that may not include a roof overhead.

For many, the image of homelessness is one of a solitary man, perhaps mentally ill, wandering the streets in the cold of winter. But in reality, a significant percentage of the homeless population consists of families with children who are turned out onto the streets in the summer.

More than a million children experience homelessness each year, and there are plenty of reasons why many of them struggle during the summer months. An alarming number of poor families suffer in overcrowded situations year round, which makes life uncomfortable in the winter, but downright intolerable in the summer as temperatures rise and tempers flare. So while family members and friends may hesitate to turn people out into the cold, they may be more likely to issue an ultimatum in the summer. Landlords are also reluctant to evict families in the winter, and may wait for milder temperatures to allay any guilt they feel.

Many families also make big decisions and big changes when the school year comes to an end. Poor families are more willing to take risks and move to a new city in search of better job opportunities in the summer months. But often that big start in a new city lands a family in a shelter when the opportunity doesn’t pan out. Sadly, mothers who are victims of domestic violence often remain at home and suffer for months, waiting until summer to leave their batterers, when their children are no longer in school.

The importance of stable housing and economic security in a child’s life can’t be overstated. Children living in owned or affordably rented homes consistently fare better in terms of health, development and academics when compared with those who don’t have reliable housing. Studies show that homeownership reduces the transmission of intergenerational poverty, promotes educational attainment and increases parental satisfaction, happiness and well-being, which translate into clear benefits for children.

Meanwhile, the hundreds of thousands of American children who live in inadequate housing often suffer from disease, serious injuries, hunger or educational failure. This is particularly alarming when viewed in light of the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s annual report Out of Reach 2003, which reveals that America’s affordable housing crisis is gaining momentum. In just one year, America’s housing wage -- the amount a full-time worker needs to earn per hour to afford an apartment at fair market rent -- has grown by a mind-boggling 37 percent.

Too many families are torn apart by an inability to locate housing. Parents who can’t meet their family’s housing needs often have no choice but to put their children in foster care. In fact, even substance abuse isn't as important as income or housing in determining whether children will return to their families. Of the children served by the child welfare system, as many as 30 percent could be reunited with their parents if safe, affordable housing was available.

Recognizing the critical importance of housing assistance programs, the Child Welfare League of America has trained hundreds of child welfare workers to build partnerships with faith-based agencies, local nonprofit housing agencies and public housing authorities to access housing subsidies for families and youth. But many of these important family programs have been neglected in the federal government’s current focus on chronic homelessness.

In the absence of adequate federal resources and local government efforts to prevent family homelessness, many individuals and nonprofit agencies are stepping forward to help children and families dealing with this circumstance in their lives. If you want to be a part of the solution, here are some things you can do:

• Ask your community group, volunteer organization or church, synagogue or other religious congregation, to collect a special donation for shelters, including clothing, toys and books.
• Work with your local schools and community centers to coordinate summertime and after-school programs so that working parents have one less thing to worry about.
• Encourage your employer to offer flexible hours to employees so parents can address child care needs.
• Coordinate volunteer efforts or collect food donations at your place of work.

People naturally think of those in need during the winter months, when giving is on our mind, and the chill of winter tugs at our coat sleeves, but let us remember that even when it’s sunny and 80 degrees outside, many families are facing a forecast that isn’t quite so bright.

Article courtesy of ARA Content