Shauna Curphey - Writing

News You Can Use
Nearly too late, study says homeless kids need more help
Real Change, March 1, 2000

By Shauna Curphey

Now that the King County Homeless Child Care Task Force knows what needs to be done for homeless kids, many agencies are without the funds to do it.

The group of formerly homeless parents, recruited by the King County Regional Homeless Child Care Program, surveyed the needs of the estimated 860 children who are homeless in the county on any given night. They found that services for homeless children in the region are disjointed and inadequate, and that their parents lack reliable information about child care providers and support agencies.

The report recommended that agencies distribute resource lists and create a web site where homeless parents could learn about and apply for appropriate resources. The task force also found child care subsidy eligibility requirements and waiting lists make it hard for homeless parents to secure child care. Parents who do find care struggle to find transportation for their children. The task force proposed more subsidies, on-site child care at shelters and transitional housing, expanded care hours and transportation services.

Moving into permanent housing brings increased financial pressures, making child care payments too high for some parents. The task force stressed the need to extend support services so that families have the help they need until they are back on their feet.

Most policy recommendations won't withstand the cuts that are hitting regional services as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's funding for support services shrinks. As a result of a $4.76 million shortfall over the next two years, six King County programs face extinction or severe cutbacks, including Regional Homeless Child Care. The program filed for an extension from HUD to keep going until they are up for funding in the next grant cycle. Responding to requests by Mayor Paul Schell and King County Executive Ron Sims, HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo has agreed to review the decision.