Just because we don’t see children living in homelessness doesn’t mean they don’t exist. There are definitely children in shelters, bouncing between homes of family members, and likely even kids living on the street.

I would get in touch with any women’s shelters that are local to you because they often take in women with children. You could also call food pantries and other non-profits supporting people facing homelessness. Just let them know you are specifically interested in supporting their efforts to help kids. But like, make sure to do it in a way that doesn’t sound predatory.

You could also reach out to schools and ask about donating money or supplies for kids whose families aren’t able to provide them.

How would you know a homeless child if you saw one? It's not like they would be carrying around a baggie of cigarette butts to smoke later and be asking for change.

I saw several children living in shelters with their single mothers as a medical resident in Hartford. It's relatively uncommon, but exists.

Most live in a 'doubled up' situation where they end up living with a family member or friend in a horribly overcrowded situation e.g. House is foreclosed on, friend has a spare bedroom that you can use for a few weeks, now a family of 4 is living in a bedroom.

Others live in a motel or shelter. Some live in a car, maybe owned by their parent but sometimes abandoned cars.

The reason why you don't see them is because they're children. They're in school most of the day and then they're at home, whether that is a car or shelter or house of a family friend.

https://www.cceh.org/how-you-can-help/

Imagine having such a good and privileged life that you forget what foster homes are… yikes. There are plenty of homeless children. Everywhere.

Children in foster care do not equal homeless children.

Those are two very different things.

If you ever want to really help out, hit up your local shelters and ask specially what they need. Tampons, underwear, and basic hygiene items are never thought about. Shelters help parents of homeless children seek employment and placement and having basic necessities to keep yourself clean goes a long way. Oh! Asking about clothing as they also help dress people.

And ask in the off season. Christmas is always inundated but the start of the cold season or the dead of summer are also needy times.

There are lots of women's shelters that you'll NEVER hear about because they're kept private for the safety of the women and children in their protection. Essentially they're in hiding. So your best bet is to reach out to CCEH and ask what they need. Email: assistance@cceh.org

Not all homeless people live in the streets or are visibly homeless. You probably walk by homeless people and children all the time and are none the wiser. Many have jobs and most homeless children go to school. I would check with your local homeless shelters (many of which have rooms specially for families) and ask how you can help.