The Power To Dismantle The Stigma Surrounding Youth Homelessness

AJ Jefferson is executive director of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund in Pittsburgh.

By AJ Jefferson

The Homeless Children’s Education Fund advances the education of youth experiencing homelessness in Southwestern Pennsylvania, guiding them to be productive, empowered citizens.

The reality is the track to homelessness is cyclical and usually starts before someone is born. The good news is there are hundreds of ways people can interrupt these cycles to create better opportunities for those trapped. Ensuring parents and students access to high-quality education is one of the most critical interventions, as it opens the door to self-sufficient employment and other social opportunities.

Education is time-sensitive. When students consistently move from one place to another, they experience a four to six-month learning loss. A student experiencing homelessness will move multiple times, widening that gap.

We have implemented several programs to benefit our students throughout their academic years. These programs help empower them to realize their full potential as they face inequitable challenges. When students participate in our programming, our staff meets them where they are – in a park, on a front porch, in a shelter or at a friend’s house.

We raise awareness surrounding the challenges these youth encounter, including housing instability
and mental and social issues. We voice the importance of student rights, reduce stigma surrounding youth homelessness, advocate for policy change and spur community action.

Homelessness is described as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Everyone can play a role in supporting those who experience it – raising awareness is just the first step.
You can help by:

Treating the homeless respectfully as you would friends, neighbors or coworkers.   
Learning about organizations that provide services and support them financially or
through volunteering. Advocating for systemic change by calling your legislators or forming activism groups.

““Ensuring parents and students access to high-quality education is one of the most critical interventions, as it opens the door to self-sufficient employment & social opportunities.” —AJ Jefferson, exec.director @homelessfund #PowerToChangeStories”
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