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Hilton Project Fact Sheet
Strengthening At Risk and Homeless Young Mothers and Children
Homeless families now account for 40% of the overall US homeless population (US Conference of Mayors, 2004). The vast majority (84%) of homeless families are female-headed (Burt & Aron: America's Homeless II: Populations and Services, 2000). Almost 1.3 million children are homeless each year in the US, with 40% under age six. (Burt & Aron: America's Homeless II: Populations and Services, 2000). Data about homeless families typically excludes those who are living in hotels or motels, campgrounds, or who are doubled up with relatives or friends.
In 2006, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation created Strengthening At Risk and Homeless Young Mothers and Children to respond to this crisis by developing a national model to mitigate the impacts of homelessness on child development. This $11.2 million initiative, which includes matching local investment of approximately $4,000,000, seeks to integrate the various social service systems already in place, address gaps in service, and bring together the homelessness and child development service sectors.
It is anticipated that approximately 500 children and their families will benefit annually from this initiative with a focus on enhanced family outcomes, such as greater housing stability, improved maternal and child-well-being and strengthened family functioning and family preservation. The target population is young at-risk or homeless mothers, age 25 and younger with at least one child five years of age or younger.
Partners in this initiative are The National Center on Family Homelessness, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and the Child Welfare League of America (see below). The three partner organizations constitute the initiative's Coordinating Center, acting as fiscal agent and supporting grantee selection, technical assistance and training, project evaluation, peer interaction, replication and knowledge dissemination, and liaison activities with the Hilton Foundation.
Selected Pilot Communities and Grantees
Los Angeles: Each night in Los Angeles, approximately 80,000 people are homeless. Families are a growing percentage of this population, ranging from 20% to 43% (Institute for the Study of Homelessness and Poverty at the Weingart Center 2004. Homelessness in Los Angeles, A Summary of Recent Research).
- Antelope Valley Homeless Coalition: Don't Overlook the Child
Partners: United Way of Greater Los Angeles (fiscal/lead agency); Healthy Homes/Antelope Valley Hospital; Antelope Valley Partners for Health; Black Infant Health Program; Catholic Charities Lancaster Shelter; County of Los Angeles; Homeless Solutions Access Center; Mental Health Association; St. Joseph Manor
Through the creation of new staff positions and enhanced interagency communication and coordination, Don't Overlook the Child will increase and enhance services for the increasing number of homeless families in this rapidly growing area, with a special focus on the needs of children.
Prototypes Centers for Innovation in Health, Mental Health and Social Services: Hope and Home
Partners: Foothill Family Services; Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health; Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services; Pomona Unified School District, Child Development Program; Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, Child Development Program.
This Los Angeles Partnership, which includes centralized assessment and intake, co-location of services in 5 different sites, enhancement of evidence-based practices, and cross training for all partners, will be created to enhance services for young mothers and children and to ensure systemic changes between the homelessness and child development sectors.
Minneapolis/St. Paul: In Minnesota, 8,900 people are homeless on any given night, with about three-quarters concentrated in the Twin Cities area. Ethnic minorities comprise 9% of the state population, but 57% of the homeless population (Amherst H. Wilder Foundation 2003. Homeless in Minnesota.).
- Reuben Lindh Family Services: Joint Ventures
Partners: Wayside House, Inc.; St. Stephens Human Services.
Three agencies will use a team approach to integrate housing, child development services, chemical dependency, and mental health into a single delivery system.
Partners
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
The Hilton Foundation was created in 1944 by hotel entrepreneur and business leader Conrad N. Hilton, who left his fortune to the foundation with instructions to help the most disadvantaged and vulnerable throughout the world without regard to religion, ethnicity or geography. With offices in Los Angeles, California and Reno, Nevada, the foundation has provided more than $500 million for charitable projects throughout the United States and the world. For more information, visit www.hiltonfoundation.org.
The National Center on Family Homelessness
The National Center on Family Homelessness is the nation's only research and social action organization dedicated solely to helping homeless children and families. By developing model programs, effective services, and innovative technical assistance, The National Center works to stabilize the lives of homeless families. Its mission is to identify what works, educate and inspire, and take action to end family homelessness. Please visit www.familyhomelessness.org for more information.
National Alliance to End Homelessness
The National Alliance to End Homelessness works collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity, leading to stronger programs and policies that help homeless individuals and families make positive changes in their lives. The Alliance provides data and research to policymakers and elected officials to inform policy debates and educate the public and opinion leaders nationwide. For more information, please visit www.endhomelessness.org.
Child Welfare League of America
The Child Welfare League of America has been a champion for children since 1920. It is committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting well-being of children, youth, and their families. CWLA envisions a future in which families, neighborhoods, communities, and governments ensure that all children and youth have the resources they need to grow into healthy, contributing members of society. For more information, please visit www.cwla.org.
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