How to Help
One of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population in America is families with children. Homelessness severely impacts the health and well being of all family members — children in particular. Children without a home are in poor health twice as often as other children, and have higher rates of asthma, ear infections, infectious diseases, and increased cavities and oral infection rates. Children who are homeless experience more mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression and withdrawal. These illnesses have potentially devastating consequences if not treated early.
Our success in helping children and families experiencing homelessness depends on the generosity of individuals who contribute financial support, volunteer their time and contribute needed items. Please see below for information on ways you can help us:
Deliver donations
Volunteer one hour of service time to help deliver donations to local shelters. E-mail our volunteer coordinator at hhivolunteers@gmail.com.
Medical service
Volunteer two hours of medical service time. Healthcare providers should e-mail berriosm@email.chop.edu or bennettme@email.chop.edu to learn more.
Donations drive or fundraiser
Have a donations drive or fundraiser benefiting families or staff at local shelters. Wishlist items include canned food, winter gear, personal hygiene supplies, cleaning products, paper products and festive decorations. Please e-mail hhivolunteers@gmail.com to learn more.
Advocacy projects
Create an advocacy project benefiting families or staff at local shelters. Some examples of current advocacy projects are:
- Nutrition - Volunteers on this project are conducting a nutritional needs assessment of families living in shelters. Findings will inform an intervention to provide families with appropriate nutritional education to carry with them through their transition from the shelter to permanent housing.
- Teen Group - Volunteers on this project conduct monthly workshops with teens at PEC. Topics are based on the needs of the group and have included: healthy relationships, nutrition, self-expression and conflict resolution.
- Father's Forum - Volunteers on this project conduct focus groups with fathers living in shelters to learn what challenges they face living in shelters, raising children and obtaining resources. The Father's Forum provides an opportunity for fathers living in shelters to tell their stories.
Suburban shelters
Volunteer with a suburban shelter. Please let us know if you are interested in offering an educational workshop in your field of expertise (ie, new baby care) or hosting a drive for a shelter in either Bucks County, Montgomery County or Chester County. Please e-mail hhivolunteers@gmail.com.
Contact Us
- 215-590-7646
- Contact Us Online