Homeless Kids
One of the main reasons the LemonAiD Benefit was established is to educate the public on the great pressure The Salvation Army Comprehensive Emergency Shelter is experiencing. On many nights it operates overcapacity, and the trend over the past few years shows no signs of relief
Are There Really Homeless Kids in The Bluegrass?
Homeless families with children of all ages come to The Salvation Army Comprehensive Emergency Shelter seeking refuge. So many families in our area are just a paycheck away from being out on the street. Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked. People who are poor are frequently unable to pay for housing, food, child care, health care, and education. Difficult choices must be made when limited resources cover only some of these necessities. Often it is housing, which absorbs a high proportion of income, that must be dropped. Being poor means being an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets.
Where do Homeless Families go in The Bluegrass?
The Salvation Army operates the ONLY Comprehensive Emergency Shelter for Families in Central Kentucky. 24 Hours a day, 365 days a year The Salvation Army stands ready to serve the neediest in our community with love and compassion. In 2010, The Salvation Army provided 48,576 nights of lodging, 40% of those sheltered were children, and 142,918 meals were provided.
THE TRUTH CHALLENGE
Family Exercise: Have a family member close their eyes and imagine a homeless person. Ask them to describe the person.
The Truth: Lack of affordable housing and low-paying jobs are some of the top reasons contributing to the rise in homelessness. And the length of time people are homeless is increasing due to lack of employment and a shortage of subsidized housing.
The Truth: According to a recent survey, 79% of cities polled expected their emergency shelter to turn away homeless people (other than families) due to a lack of resources.
The Truth: Over five million low-income families in the U.S. spend half of their income on housing or live in substandard conditions.
The Truth: One in ten poor children in our county will experience homelessness. The risk is higher the younger the child. And research shows that in contrast to children who have housing, homeless children are more likely to be in poor health and experience developmental delays.
What does the Salvation Army do for homeless families?
The first step in serving families in crisis is to meet the basic needs. Shelter and meals are provided in a safe environment. Parents meet with caseworkers and begin the road to recovery and independence. Often times, families have medical or mental health issues that need to be addressed. The Salvation Army hosts an on-site medical clinic provided through a partnership with the University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine.
Parents Receive
- Professional Intensive Case Management
- Job-Training (in-house and offsite)
- Life Skills & Computer Classes
- Mental health and Spiritual Counseling
- Transportation
- Housing Placement
While Parents work to regain their independence, children are educated and cared for by the Salvation Army staff.
Children Receive
- Free access to The Salvation Army Early Learning Center
- Care for children six weeks to five years
- Stars Rated educational center
- Mental, physical and emotional assessments for ages three and older
- Professional help for children with special needs
- Focused literacy activities
- Preparation for a successful transition to Kindergarten
- Free access to The Salvation Army Boys' & Girls' Club
- Care for school age youth
- Homework help provided by a certified teacher
- Computer lab with software programs designed to increase reading and math skills
- Arts & Crafts Room
- Full size Gymnasium
- Programs to promote Health, Leadership and Good Citizenship
Helpful Forms
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