Formerly Contra Costa Interfaith Housing
e g a p e Hom Spring 2021 Newsletter
Ending Intergenerational Homelessness
H
ousing is the cornerstone of any healthy and thriving community. Without safe and stable housing, families and individuals experience diminished health (both physically and mentally), children’s education suffers, and gainful employment is difficult to maintain. One report finds that almost half of those currently receiving homelessness assistance had parents who themselves experienced homelessness. That means that more than half are experiencing homelessness for the first time. Hope Solutions is particularly concerned about the impact of homelessness on children. Trauma can have serious consequences for them. By the time they reach the fourth grade, most homeless children are at least two years behind their peers and 75 percent of homeless children have at least one major developmental delay before the age of five. Children who have been exposed to violence and unstable living conditions experience an increased likelihood of school dropout, involvement with the criminal justice system, and poverty and/or homelessness. Furthermore, research shows that parents’ childhood trauma and current psychological issues manifest in their parenting behavior. Homeless children are 7-9 times more likely to be placed in foster care. Many Hope Solutions’ residents have experienced extraordinary amounts of trauma caused by homelessness, domestic violence, addiction, and poverty. Hope Solutions’ households, especially the children, are some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Their problems are rooted in something they had no control over. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score is determined by answers to a series of questions about traumatic situations that may occur in childhood. Higher ACE scores correlate to childhood trauma often leading to myriad challenges later in life. With a focus on supporting the family or individual, healing, and education, Hope Solutions helps end intergenerational poverty and homelessness. The children in our programs report significantly lower ACE scores than their parents!
Read about Alex and his inspirational journey inside.
Our success is rooted in the support we provide to our clients so they meet self-set goals related to education, employment, physical and mental health, and building strong connections. The benefits of our programs are evident in the success of our residents, especially the children. Hope Solutions envisions a world in which everyone has a place to call home and the support of a strong community so they can live with dignity and reach their full potential. This spring, would you consider making a gift to help end intergenerational homelessness and poverty? We simply could not achieve this success without the love and support from friends like you. Thank you.