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r Organization : Homeless Assistance Center Program Name: "Assets Build Futures" Funder: Children Services Grant Be PROGRAM NEED STATEMENT (Entire Section B not to exceed one page) 1 . a) What is the unacceptable condition requiring change? b) Who has the need ? C) Where do they live? d) Provide local, state or national trend data, with reference source, that corroborates that this is an area of need. It is estimated there are over a million children homeless in America. In Indian River County, it is estimated there are 457 homeless daily of which 46% are homeless families . More than 25 % of homeless children have experienced homelessness more than once . Homeless families are the fastest growing population of homeless nationally and locally. According to a 1999 study of "Homeless in America : A Children ' s Story" conducted by The Institute for Children & Poverty, homelessness for children is often an extended period of time in their life which is fraught with educational and emotional setbacks that last for years . Nationwide 1 in 5 homeless school aged children repeat classes . The educational levels are lowered due to excessive transfers, high absenteeism, under educated parents, and chronic homelessness . Approximately 47% suffer depression, anxiety, display aggressive behaviors and are taunted by their peers for being homeless . The 2000 "Homeless Education Program", sponsored by the Broward County School District and funded by the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1990 identified for educators the visible symptoms and behaviors of homeless students . The program documents that such children display low self-esteem; are either withdrawn and listless or hostile and aggressive ; are emotionally needy; are old beyond their years ; feel unsafe in their environments; and feel shame at where they live. In addition to educational setbacks there are development delays which augment feelings of failure . The experiences of living in "fractured families" consumed with the family stress of poverty, living in a homeless center, unemployment and/or low wages, and the uncertainty of the future also causes hopelessness, fear, insecurity, and anxiety in children. Families often do not have the energy nor resources to nurture their children or provide positive reinforcement and developmental experiences which build self-esteem and resiliency . 2. a) Identify similar programs that are currently serving the needs of your targeted population ; b) Explain how these existing programs are under-serving the targeted population of your program . The only other local program, which is similar to providing services for homeless children and families, is the Samaritan Center, a local transitional housing program. However, community studies conducted by, the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council verifies that the need for services for these children and families is far greater than the availability of services to meet their needs . The HAC programs provide capacity for services . 5