The Visible Child

Public policy and service strategies developed over the past 25 years to address homelessness grew out of concern for a growing population of homeless adults. As our nation has recognized the increasing population of homeless families, the adults in the household remain the primary focus leaving children, who are also traumatized by the conditions associated with homelessness, invisible.

In 2005, the Supportive Housing Provider Group, a group of 17 supportive housing organizations, and the Family Supportive Housing Center, LLC(a subsidiary of the Family Housing Fund, see www.fhfund.org) partnered with Dr. Abigail Gewirtz, a clinical psychologist and University of Minnesota researcher, on an assessment of the needs of 450 children living in supportive housing. The assessment revealed that risk factors for children living in supportive housing were significantly escalating with age. In addition, the assessment identified a surprising lack of data on the needs of young children newborn to 4 years old.

The realities seen by the supportive housing providers combined with knowledge gained from the 2005 assessment led to the creation of The Visible Child Initiative. The Visible Child Initiative brings together research, practice, public policy and community to elevate the needs of children who have experienced homelessness.

To learn more about the Visible Child Initiative refer to the tabs to the right. You can also contact Sharon Henry-Blythe at sharon.henry-blythe@familysupportivehousingcenter.org or 651-287-3074 ext 104

For more information

contact Sharon Henry-Blythe at 651-287-3074 X 104 or at
sharon.henry-blythe@ familysupportivehousingcenter.org