Homeless Children in Wichita, Kansas

Recently I was alarmed to hear of the staggering numbers of homeless children in the city of Wichita.I myself being from Wichita took a deeper look into this issue.Although we do hear of statistics nationwide such as 500,000 children being without homes,when you hear it's right in your back door you tend to wonder why.In Wichita,last year the number of homeless children was 825 and already rising this year.

Most of the children that end up with the title "homeless" are from a home of domestic violence,usually the mothers see no other option to be able to flee such a situation.The usual fingers of homelessness point to alcohol use,drug use,loss of work and even gambling and unfortunately children get caught in the middle.Some don't even know another way of life.

Homeless children that attend school vary all the way from preschool to high school seniors.Amazingly in the city of Wichita 111 of the 200 children tested either met or exceeded academic standards in math and reading.The city of Wichita spends more than $200,000 a year of federal money to clothe and supply transportation to and from school for homeless children.

There are seven shelters in the city of Wichita and many churches offer warm meals and comfort.More so the families of these children often try to find a temporary place for their children to stay often with a family member or friend so their children are not on the street but not all children have that option and move from place to place,shelter to shelter.The working mother or father struggles everyday economically and still they are not usually able to provide adequately for these children.

There is so much more these children need than a warm,dry,safe place to stay and a education.Like any other child they need to feel the love,guidance,security and understanding to thrive.These children did not ask for this kind of life ,most have been dragged into it and the unfortunate few born into it,I myself would like to see these numbers decline.Just because a person is homeless doesn't mean they are not human,they deserve a chance to work,to have a life just as well as anyone else they just have to want it and make it happen.