Advocate fights to break cycle of family homelessness

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the intertwined issues of poverty and homelessness, highlighting the urgent need for a holistic approach to address these challenges. A representative from the Vogtle program emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with families even after they leave the program, noting that they received seven emergency calls from families in crisis just last week. This initiative aims to prevent families from re-entering the system, with a particular focus on breaking the cycle of homelessness that often spans generations.

The representative expressed concern over the increasing numbers of homeless individuals, particularly families, and pointed out that while diversion practices have been effective in keeping some families out of the system, the sustainability of these efforts is at risk. If funding for diversion programs diminishes, there is a significant likelihood that more families will find themselves on the streets, leading to a rise in visible homelessness.

The meeting also addressed the hidden nature of family homelessness, with the representative clarifying that being homeless is not a Child Protective Services (CPS) issue, underscoring the misconception that homelessness is a result of parental neglect. The call to action was clear: organizations tackling poverty and homelessness must collaborate more effectively, moving away from siloed approaches to create a comprehensive strategy that supports families in need. The overarching goal remains to ensure that children currently in care do not become homeless adults, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness for future generations.