Strong Families - The Struggles of Homeless Children
Thousands of people are homeless in Fresno and for many different reasons. Sadly, a large portion of that population is made up of children. It’s very difficult for families trying to raise children, when there is no place to call home, but there is help.
Angela Tovar and her five children have fallen on hard times. Angela says it’s been tough for her children, who range in age from 3 to 12 years, since she became separated from their father. “I know they are struggling ‘cause what I‘m going through. They see me always in depression and everything. So they… I think it’s pretty hard on them because what I’m going through. And plus, me and their dad are not together no more. So, it’s kinda hard for them.”
This young family spent 30 days at the Fresno Rescue Mission, a temporary shelter in downtown Fresno. Robin Bump is the Manager. She says the shelter doors are always open to families in need. The non-profit facility provides families with food, clothing and shelter. “When a family comes through here the first thing they think of is, ‘It’s on “G” street.’ And you know, they’re like, ‘Uh, that’s a bad part of town.’ But when they walk through the front door and see what we have. It’s total opposite of what you would think a shelter is. Each family has their own room here.”
Each family has to pitch in here and share in the responsibilities of keeping the place up. And of course, there are rules that everyone must follow. Robin explains, “There are no drugs or alcohol here and we do random testing. And everybody helps with household chores. And we have three meals a day here and we have chapel services here. And we have groups that come here and do activities with the kids. And I mean it’s like home here.”
Angela says providing for her family isn’t easy. Right now, her income consists of a monthly assistance check from the government. “And it barely helps me out to get their shoes and socks. You know stuff like that. Some people, like my friends, they donate stuff to my kids.”
It’s ahigh priority to make sure her children’s health needs are met. Angela tells us, her kids do have insurance and see their doctor regularly. “Oh yeah. They are in good condition. They’re all dated up. And when they feel sick I take ‘em in.”
The Tovar family isn’t alone. The fact is, the homeless population is getting younger. Robin says, “Over the last couple of years and stuff we’ve seen a lot of younger families in their 20’s with little ones coming through here.”
Robin says it’s important to be supportive of parents as they look for ways to take care of their kids. “They are being good parents because they are here. They have a roof over their head for their children and they’re not out on the streets.”
Angela is looking for a way to get permanent housing for her kids. “I’m trying to see if I could get a job or anything. I’m still looking for an apartment so I could get my kids in apartments, so.”
In the meantime,Robin saysparents need to keep in mind, their children are going throughturmoil and they need reassurance.“They need to understand that what you’re going through, they’re going through it, too. And you just need to make sure that everything’s gonna be okay. They are gonna be safe no matter what the situation is.”
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Homelessness in Fresno
The City and County of Fresno are currently working on a 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness. Greg Barfield, the City’s Homeless Prevention and Policy Manager, says the plan was initiated in September, 2008. In January, volunteers took part in a bi-annual “Point in Time Street Count and Survey” of homeless families and individuals. The survey, mandated by HUD, will provide critical data on local homeless populations at a single “point in time.” Data from the survey is being processed by the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care and will be used for the implementation of the 10-year plan.
Volunteers are welcome to help with a number of projects at the Fresno Rescue Mission, including: the Adopt a room program, Bible study with children or a once a month activity. If you are interested in volunteering, give the Fresno Rescue Mission a phone call.
Homeless Assistance
4449 E. Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93702 453-6541
Homeless Assistance is available to CalWORKs eligible families to meet the reasonable costs of securing permanent housing, and for temporary shelter while seeking permanent housing. Families must meet the definition of homeless, and assistance is restricted to once in a lifetime with few exceptions.
