Homeless Children’s Awareness Week kicks off in Pittsburgh

As the weather grows colder in western Pennsylvania, the needs of homeless families become more and more pressing. And the statistics show that homelessness among children, one of the most vulnerable groups, is on the rise across the country. According to the First Focus Campaign for Children, a nonprofit advocacy group, more than 1 million K-12 students are homeless in America today.  And there are children experiencing homelessness in each of Allegheny County’s 43 school districts.

“There are more than 2,900 children who are homeless right this second in Allegheny County,” says Monica Hershberger of the Strip District-based Homeless Children’s Education Fund. That includes children who lack a fixed, nighttime residence who are in “double-up” situations outside of their usual home, and those who live in shelters, motels or even parks.

In an effort to shine a light on the unseen number of homeless children in our area, the nonprofit HCEF is sponsoring Pittsburgh’s annual Homeless Children’s Awareness Week, which began on Sunday.

“We want everyone to know that they can play a key role in getting those kids access to quality afterschool programs and educational enrichment workshops with great organizations like the Andy Warhol Museum and Labratz,” Hershberger says. “The Homeless Children’s Education Fund was built on the belief that education can ultimately end the circle of poverty. We’re here to create hope through learning for all of the kids who find themselves in a housing crisis.”

In the 2013-14 school year alone, there were more than 20,000 homeless children attending Pennsylvania public schools, according to First Focus.

Founded in 1999 by Dr. Joseph Lagana, HCEF was established to supplement federal funding for the educational needs of homeless children.  HCEF works to help homeless youth get the support to overcome the many obstacles they face, from individuals and organizations.  With private funding, they are able to provide learning centers, after-school help, enrichment programs and higher education scholarships to young, college-bound students.

The events and exhibits are open to the public and kicked off Monday with An Evening of Storytelling at Arcade Comedy Theatre in downtown Pittsburgh.

Additional events include:

  • Stand Up for Homeless Children: A Performance Art Installation

at the University of Pittsburgh on Thursday, October 22 at 5 pm

at North Park Boat House on Sunday, October 25 at 9:30 am

For more information, please visit www.homelessfund.org/HCAW.html.

Featured image courtesy of Homeless Children’s Education Fund