Homelessness Rising Among Philadelphia Children
More Philadelphia children are becoming homeless, according to a new report.
KYW's Pat Loeb reports that the research finds one in 94 children in the city experienced homelessness last year.
The report is a collaborative effort of five agencies, including the People's Emergency Center.
PEC's Joe Willard says they looked at data from the city's Office of Supportive Housing from 2008 and 2009:
"When you add up the total number of children served by emergency housing and traditional housing providers in Philadelphia, that number is approximately 5,000 children and youth."
He says the increase over the two years was 12 percent, and growth was particularly high among children under five.
But the report -- which officially comes out next week -- offers strategies for action:
"Providers can provide some services that help the child address their emotional needs, their educational needs, after-school programs, tutoring."
Willard says the numbers are high in Philadelphia, but in keeping with a national trend.
