When most people think of homelessness, they think of lonely individuals living on the street, however there are some families that live without homes or shelter. In part two of the "Shame of the City" series in the San Francisco Chronicle, homeless families are discussed.
The main focus of the article is the Silver family, who for the past four years have lived in their van. The family is on a list for housing, but they still have several years to wait until they are placed in a home. The Silver's are lucky because they are together, and their seven year old son and eight year old daughter are still able to go to school and do well despite their situation. The family earns money at Giants day games when the disabled father pan handles from his wheelchair, while the mother and children wait in the van several streets over. The father says that he is ashamed and does not want his children to see him asking for money.
It is rare to see full families living on the street because state authorities will take children away to be placed in foster care if they are considered to be living in a unhealthy environment, which the street most definitely is. The Silver family defy typical homeless stereotypes because the children both do very well in school, the family attends church every Sunday and neither parent is a substance abuser. For these reasons, the authorities have not attempted to remove the children from their parents. Unfortunately the family's homeless status has negative effects on the kids at school, although their teachers are supportive for the most part, other students frequently tease Ashley and Tommy.
Homelessness is devastating in all circumstances, but to see an entire family suffering this plight is truly heartbreaking. I'm glad to have the opportunity to help build homes for homeless families and dramatically alter their circumstances.
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