Losing Homes and Ending Childhoods

As part of their "Children of the Recession" series, CBS News recently ran this story about 11-year old Tristen Clarke and his mother Rhonda, a homeless family whom The Salvation Army is helping to house in a motel in California. It's always shocking to face the fact that more and more children in America are becoming homeless due to the recession, but I found this story particularly heartbreaking because it revealed how much of a mental toll this is having on youth. Tristen worries about things that most kids his age take for granted--having enough food, a place to sleep, and even a safe place to play outside. In short, he's had to grow up too fast, and he's not alone. Reading his story reminded me of the many kids and young adults here in the Twin Cities facing the same harsh reality. Youth want to ease the burdens that are heaped on their parents in this economy, and it's mentally and emotionally exhausting.

The good news is that The Salvation Army has facilities and programs in place such as the Booth Brown House and other youth centers and programs throughout the Twin Cities to do as much as possible to provide relief. This CBS story shows that sometimes just having someone on your side can provide a sense of optimism; Despite his circumstances, 11 year-old Tristen describes himself as "lucky" because he and his mom aren't living on the street. Although they are homeless, the Salvation Army's provision keeps them from living "in a cardboard box," and he recognizes that as a blessing.

I encourage you to read his story, and also think of ways that you can be a blessing to kids like Tristen, here in our own community. Volunteering, donating, or even just taking a tour to learn more about what's happening in the Twin Cities are all small ways to make a big impact during these economically uncertain times.