Voices for Children Panel Discussion Summary: Addressing Hunger and Homelessness Through Community Collaborations

by | Dec 3, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

On November 20th, the Voices for Children Coalition hosted a panel discussion focused on one of the most pressing issues facing Delaware County today: hunger and homelessness among children and their families. Held virtually this event brought together a diverse group of experts and community service providers to explore the challenges, strategies, and collaborative solutions needed to address these interconnected crises.

Hunger and housing instability affect thousands of children in our community, with 12% of children in Delaware County experiencing food insecurity and over 300 individuals currently homeless. These sobering statistics provided the foundation for the conversation centered on how we, as a community, can collaborate to ensure every child has access to the necessities they need to thrive.

The discussion began by highlighting the numerous challenges that children and families face when seeking services and resources. The panelists shared their experiences and insights, shedding light on the obstacles that often prevent families from accessing the support they need.

One of the key barriers identified was access to services for undocumented families. Desiree Lamar Murphy, founder of Murphy’s Giving Market shared that “80% of the people that visit our pantry, out of the 4,080, are from Latin American countries and are undocumented.” This significant proportion highlights the vulnerability of immigrant communities in Delaware County and underscores the importance of tailored support for these families.

Ryan Freighter, director of Public Policy at Feeding Pennsylvania elaborated on the impact of federal policies on immigrant families, particularly the five-year ban on accessing SNAP benefits. “Even once eligible, families face difficulties accessing benefits due to challenges in completing the application, combined with the ‘time tax’ of working multiple jobs and caring for children, which leaves them with limited time to visit offices.”He emphasized that “Language and cultural competence are major challenges that prevent families from seeking the help they need.”

These systemic issues make it critical for community organizations and policymakers to focus on reducing barriers and creating a more inclusive environment for all families. By working together, we can identify solutions that address these gaps and ensure that no family is left without essential support.

The panel discussion also highlighted several successful strategies and partnerships that are making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Rebecca Nichols from St. Joseph Family Hope Center, an interfaith organization that provides shelter and comprehensive support services for homeless families, focusing on helping them achieve stability through housing assistance, case management, and access to essential resources, discussed the center’s partnership with the Phoenix Foundation to provide mental health services. She noted that hunger and homelessness are often deeply intertwined with mental health issues, particularly for caregivers, making the partnership with Phoenix Foundation crucial. “By providing mental health support, we can address some of the root causes that contribute to housing instability and hunger,” Nichols said. This partnership exemplifies the importance of addressing multiple facets of well-being to create lasting change.

The Bridge Project was also mentioned by Dana Bowser, Director of Equitable Learning and Support and Homeless Liaison with Chester Upland School District, as a crucial resource—providing free online mental health services to youth experiencing homelessness. This initiative ensures that students facing housing insecurity have access to the support they need to thrive, demonstrating the impact of targeted, community-based solutions. Additionally, Bowser emphasized the importance of students and their parents seeking out support services through the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) program, which provides students with the referral for the Bridge Project, transportation, uniform vouchers and school supplies.

During the 2022-2023 school year, Pennsylvania identified 46,714 children and youth as experiencing homelessness, representing about 2.4% of the state’s public-school population. Of these, 86% were enrolled in school, while 14% were younger children not yet in kindergarten. This data highlights the significant number of children and youth facing instability at an early age, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support services that address not only immediate needs but also foster educational continuity and long-term well-being. By leveraging community resources and fostering partnerships, we can help ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to succeed in school and life.

Bernadette Dakin, a social worker and homeless liaison in the Rose Tree Media School District, shared how ACME’s cash register roundups provide gift cards that are distributed to students and their families in need. This practical support helps families meet their immediate needs while reducing some of the pressures they face. It is a powerful example of how community business partnerships can mobilize resources to support those most in need.

Hannah Laurison, Director of External Relations at the Foundation for Delaware County, highlighted the partnership with the Delaware County Rental Housing Coalition. This coalition consists of individuals from different agencies, nonprofits, and elected leaders working together to identify barriers to safe, stable housing for renters in Delaware County. Laurison noted that “less than 2% of individuals facing eviction have legal counsel,” and they are working to create an eviction diversion program to address this gap. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of bringing together diverse stakeholders to create systemic solutions.

Looking ahead, a thought-provoking question was posed to the panelists, inviting them to share bold ideas and innovative solutions to tackle hunger and homelessness. In response, the panelists highlighted the need for comprehensive, forward-thinking strategies, emphasizing the power of collaboration to drive meaningful, lasting change.

Laurison stressed the need for national policy changes that include a national renter tax credit, stating, “I envision an America where everyone can afford to pay their rent without forgoing food or being at risk of homelessness.” She also emphasized the need to look at evidence-based solutions, such as the Child Tax Credit, which brought child poverty to a record low during the pandemic. Laurison highlighted how these types of initiatives can significantly reduce poverty and improve stability for families.

Additionally, the panel proposed a one-stop hub for social services to minimize travel barriers and simplify access for families. Nidra Johnson, a Recreational Therapist at the Community Action Agency, stressed the need for child-focused programming in emergency housing, ensuring children receive the support needed to thrive. A recurring theme was the importance of collaboration, with panelists emphasizing that breaking silos and working together can address the root causes of hunger and homelessness, leading to better outcomes for children and families.

The panel ended with a call to action—a reminder that we all have a role to play – whether it’s advocating for supportive policies, strengthening community partnerships, or simply raising awareness about these urgent issues. Each step we take brings us closer to a future where every child has a safe place to call home and access to nutritious food. The Voices for Children Coalition remains committed to working alongside community leaders, policymakers, and service providers to ensure all children in Delaware County have the support they need to thrive.

Resources shared by panelist: