The interconnection of childhood poverty and homelessness: Negative impact/points of access

Child poverty negatively impacts the development of children; family homele ssness compounds the issues. Both have dramatically increased over the last two decades with far-reaching poorly understood consequences. The impact o f the instability of poverty and homelessness on children is often hidden o r difficult to comprehend. Few studies critically examine the impact on a c hild's sense of safety and security. Using mixed method inquiry, this resea rch sought to examine the effects of poverty acid homelessness on children 8 to 12 years of age. The voices of the children illuminate the underlying strengths and vulnerabilities. Results indicate that homelessness leaves ch ildren feeling a decreased sense of support and an increased sense of isola tion.