"It is harder than ever to make ends meet and an emergency situation can put you in a tailspin. My deepest gratitude for helping me and others in need." --HPI Client
When Homelessness Hits Home
PlaySpent.org Receives National Attention
Durham County's PlaySpent.org was featured on CNN in October, 2011. This online simulation challenges players to make it through the month on a limited income, replicating consequences for every decision. Can you make it through the month?
Check out the CNN broadcast's coverage on TED's (Technology Entertainment Design) youtube channel by clicking here:
To PlaySpent now, click here.
Poudre School District Enrolls over 1,000 Homeless Kids
The Poudre School district counted over 1,000 of its students as homeless this year. See below for more details.
HPI Helps Children Grow and Thrive
Children's health and well-being are not compromised when they can grow in the familiar setting of their own homes. More significant than the financial costs of homelessness are the costs to the health and welfare of the children involved.
Homeless children experience:
- 2 times as many ear infections
- 5 times more diarrhea and stomach problems
- 6 times as many speech and stammering problems
- 4 times the average rate of delayed development
- 2 times the likelihood of going hungry than other children
We know that at least 20% of homeless children do not attend school, and of those that do, less than 25% graduate. They fall behind their grade levels and out of their peer groups, a loss that puts them at disadvantage for a lifetime. Source: National Center on Homelessness 2009 Study.
The 882 households served by the Homelessness Prevention Initiative in 2011 represent over 1,600 children. Helping families in Fort Collins maintain stable housing supports the quality of life in our city. The need for rental assistance continues to increase as people struggle to meet basic needs while healthcare, utilities, childcare, housing, and gasoline prices rise.