How to talk to kids about homelessness

Kids see what we see, and homelessness is a complex issue that is often challenging to explain to children. Here are some good ways to start:

• Help kids understand that people often become homeless after a challenging life event that meant they could no longer stay in their home.
• Explain that some people don’t have friends or family to help them through a hard time, and access to the support they need isn’t always possible.
• Tell kids that people who are unhoused have the same wants and needs as our own—that can help a child make familiar connections and develop their sense of compassion.
• Volunteer with your child at a local organization, shelter, or food pantry. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got a list of over 3,500 Bombas-approved Giving Partner Organizations in our Giving Directory here.