working with homeless children

Working with Homeless Children

At Project Hope Alliance

Objectives

Identify the different states of homelessness a child can experience in Orange County.

Understand how homelessness affects a child’s developmental growth and academic success.

Learn what you can do to assist homeless children during your volunteer experience.

What is Homelessness?

“Homeless” families are those who have lived in a shelter or in a place

not intended for housing; as well as those who have doubled up with

friends or family.

What does it look like?

Homelessness in Orange County

2007/08 2009/10 2012/130

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

17,051

26,02930,542

Homeless Students


2007/08 2009/10 2012/130

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

17,051

26,02930,542

Homeless Students

•3-6 months•Find a job•Pay Rent•Drug Testing

Doubled/Triple HousingHotels/MotelsSheltersUnsheltered

3 %


2007/08 2009/10 2012/130

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

17,051

26,02930,542

Homeless Students


4 %

•No More than 30 days


2007/08 2009/10 2012/130

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

17,051

26,02930,542

Homeless Students

•Double and Tripled up housing•Living with multiple families•Renting a room from another family


90 %

How does this affect the child?

CognitiveSocio-emotional

School Readiness


CognitiveSocio-emotionalSchool Readiness


CognitiveSocio-emotional

School Readiness

1- Research shows behavioral problems in early childhood is not only linked to lower academic achievement, but also reduces the likelihood of graduating from high school and entering college, and a greater risk of becoming involved in criminal activity. 2-Children who begin school with a high sense of self-worth and strong literacy skills are more likely to show academic success throughout their lives. This is where Project Hope helps.

Behavioral Problems =

What are the long-term effects?

How does Project Hope help?Transportation to School & After School Programs

Academic Enrichment Programs & Education Advocacy

Music and Arts Enrichment Family Stability Program

Transportation

Safe and reliable transportation to:• School• After school care• Tutoring• Off-site arts• Family night out

After School Program

Life-skills programs:• Fitness activities• Academic assistance• Tutoring• Therapeutic art• Blended learning computer

lab

Education Advocacy / Case Management

Academic Enrichment Programs

Academic Enrichment Programs“When D began attending tutoring sessions, this 2nd grader was at a kindergarten level. Already more than a year behind in math and reading, D was frustrated and acted out in class. At the age of eight, D already considered himself “dumb” rather than simply “behind.” D began meeting with a tutor during his after school program and used the blended learning computer programs to work on his math and reading. His tutor began rewarding him for these sessions with extra time on the basketball court. With discipline and patience, D was now behaving better during the school day and showing enthusiasm during his tutoring sessions. Nine months later, D had rushed ahead 1.61 grade levels! The child who once considered himself dumb will enter third grade performing above grade level.”

Music and Arts Enrichment

Music and Arts Enrichment“As one of four kids living in a single motel room with their parents, N’s world was crowded and chaotic. At school, though, this young girl began to participate in Project Hope Alliance’s strings music program. She picked up the violin and began to play. A year into her practice, Project Hope brought N and her classmates to a master class at UC Irvine. There she metwith a master violinist, performed on stage and received instruction. Noticing N’s innate musical ability, her instructor asked, “Why do you like playing the violin?” N paused before replying, “When I’m playing, it’s like everything else disappears. I can escape.” In a world of chaos and anxiety, the violin gave N peace.”

Family Stability ProgramTo help families move into apartments, PHA may provide:

• First and last month’s rent• Deposit• Aids in rent payment during

the 1st year.

Family assistance in emergency situations:

• Rental assistance• Utility assistance• Grocery store gift cards• Two food pantries• Socks, underwear, and

toiletries

Family Stability Program“After her mother fled domestic violence, T lived with her mother and her three sisters in a motel. The girls continued to get straight A’s in school, but their mother had lost all confidence. T watched her once strong, resilient mother begin to doubt her own worth. Within a matter of a few short months, T and her sisters became reserved and fearful themselves. In PHA’s family stability program, T’s mother received the financial management tools and career assistance to move into an apartment with her family. Today, T is attending a neighborhood school and making friends. She and her sisters are using their new kitchen to make and sell baked goods. Most significantly, these women have all regained their strength and confidence.”

Working with the Children

Wednesday

4pm- Volunteer at Project Hope

Active listener Consistent and Dependable

Don’t judge Encourage and praise

Working in the Office

$24 per hour

$240 per week

$12,480 a

YEAR!!!

Message from Jen“Volunteers add a critical skill set and work force that I could never afford to hire. As a social impact organization, our needs are just as diverse as a traditional 'corporate organization' but our staffing budget is limited. As CEO, wherever possible, I want to push our dollars towards ending homelessness not towards staffing and administrative needs.”

“Our highly skilled, passionate and generous volunteers let me do just that. A strong and engaged volunteer base is a game changer for any non profit. It certainly has been for Project Hope Alliance"

Thank You!

working with homeless children

Government & Nonprofit