Record Homeless Numbers Creating Need For Extra Donations
Homelessness in families with young children is the fastest growing segment of the homeless population nation-wide. The average homeless family is comprised of a young mother and her two young children, most often under the age of 6. In 2008, 30% of the homeless individuals residing in the PCM Homeless Shelter were children. This summer, that percentage climbed to 40%. The stories are heart-wrenching and the numbers are stunning.
PCM staff are responding to this crisis, one child, one family at a time. It feels a little like the Star Fish story… It would be easy to be over-whelmed with the numbers, so we are trying to focus on the family in front of us right now, and doing the very best we can with those individuals.
Greatest Needs at the Shelter:
Pillows
Bath towels and wash cloths
School supplies
Diapers in the larger sizes (5 & 6)
Portable bassinets and playpens
Strollers – especially when built for two!
Umbrellas
Alarm Clocks
The Emergency Food Pantry Program hit record high numbers in terms of assistance this summer. PCM is now averaging food assistance to an average of 475 McCracken County households each month.
Greatest Food Pantry Needs Include:
Cereal
Spaghetti & Spaghetti Sauce
Soup
Instant Potatoes
Pork ‘n Beans & other “Meal-in-a-Can” items
Gallon Zip-Lock Bags
October 16, 2009
