By TerraShare

Faces of Homelessness

At its most elemental, homelessness is about inadequate housing, insufficient income, and a lack of appropriate social supports. For many of the children who come to TerraShare, homelessness entails a life of extreme poverty, frequent bouts of hunger, greater risk of illness or injury, and the ever-present threat of violence in their homes, neighborhoods and schools.

For the children who come to TerraShare it means lying to their friends about their personal circumstances, living in a car, shack or shelter; it means not having enough money to play sports or purchase hygiene supplies. Sometimes it means that the child manages the family, while the parent succumbs to the demands of their stressful life. It means that many of the children of TerraShare know too much about drug and alcohol addiction, prison time, sex. Many have been in foster care, many have been abused – sexually, physically and emotionally.   Read more

By TerraShare

What is Homelessness?

The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates 3.5 million people are homeless in the United States in the course of a year, 39% of whom are children. Our homeless are veterans and senior citizens, babies, toddlers, youngsters, teens. The most representative face of homelessness is a single mother with children. Many homeless individuals are employed, sober, responsible. Others are addicts and alcoholics. Many struggle with health problems and medical bills that dramatically increase their economic vulnerability.

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By TerraShare

The Role of Violence in a Child’s Life

By Jo-El Wadsworth

Violence plays a significant role in the lives of the children who come to TerraShare.  Research shows that 83% of children who have experienced homelessness have been exposed to at least one serious violent event by age twelve and almost 25% have witnessed acts of violence within their families. Children who witness violence are more likely to exhibit aggressive and antisocial behavior, experience an increase in fear, depression and anxiety in their daily lives, and have a greater acceptance of violence as a means of resolving conflict.   Read more

By TerraShare

Giving Thanks: A TerraShare Tradition

 

By Jo-El Wadsworth

The longest standing tradition at TerraShare is the evening campfire and the giving of thanks. If it is a rainy night, we gather at the pavilion, around a circle of candlelight. But if the night is clear, the moon rising and the early stars just beginning to appear, we gather at the fire circle. It is a ritual welcomed by staff and children, alike and helps bring closure to the end of another long day of adventure.   Read more

By TerraShare

Weekend Hike to the Raptor Observatory

 

By Jo-El Wadsworth

The past Weekend Adventure Program was so empowering! Four children, who all share a longstanding friendship with the camp, came for a healthy dose of fun, food and adventure. Because the children have been here often, they are already familiar with the expectations and opportunities of the camp. They already know and trust the staff, love the animals, the wilderness. They come to TerraShare knowing that anything is possible as long as they have respect, a good attitude and a wild streak.   Read more

Faces of Homelessness
What is Homelessness?