July 2023

What we'll do:

Learn about the importance of providing support for the unhoused and those vulnerable to losing their home.Create snack bags on your own schedule at home before July 29th.Drop off finished kits by July 29th. Keep learning about and combating homelessness by helping Bridge to Home support those at their shelter as they seek permanent housing solutions.

Where the sack lunches are being donated:

Bridge to Home is currently serving 70 meals daily and working on a new facility that will provide 60 beds and 8 separate apartment-style units that can accommodate up to 32 people. They anticipate serving over 1,000 unduplicated individuals every year at this new facility. By preparing hygiene kits, we are helping the unhoused and those vulnerable by providing them with essentials.

Explore our educational resources about homelessness:

Before you begin exploring the resources on this page, ask your children what home means to them and share what home means to you. Try to imagine with them what it means to be unhoused and not have a place of your own. Unhoused means that people may be on the street, but often it means couch surfing or living in a shelter.

FOR MIDDLE GRADES, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, AND ADULTS:

Here is a read aloud of the childrens’ book A Place to Stay by Erin Gunti"This simple, touching picture book shows readers a women's shelter through the eyes of a young girl, who, with her mother's help, uses her imagination to overcome her anxiety and adjust. Includes factual endnotes detailing various reasons people experience homelessness and the resources available to help." -Publisher's website

Here is a list with reviews of more books geared towards children complete with additional activities you can do with your children to reinforce their learning about this issue

Here is a helpful guide to help talk to children about homelessness

FOR UPPER GRADES AND ADULTS:

Check out this detailed medical study on the effects of homelessness on children. This is a scientific medical study suited for adults who want  in-depth research on this issue.

Why we're helping Bridge to Home:

Giving people the resources and services for temporary shelter helps them to seek out services for permanent housing solutions. While these kits and cards seem like a small gesture, it is an important part of providing compassion, encouragement, and connection to help these people understand their value.