Child Protection United States Project #37789

Help One More Child Spend One Less Day Alone

by The HALO Foundation

Help One More Child Spend One Less Day Alone

Summary

The homeless youth crisis is rising with over 6,000 homeless youth in Kansas City. This project supports the HALO Learning Center -- a safe-haven of healing and hope for over 700 children. HALO puts KC homeless kids on a path to a positive future. Through therapeutic art programs, tutoring, professional development, scholarships and help preparing for higher education, our kids work hard to leave the "at-risk" label behind and finally be seen as a great kid with the potential to do great things.

$75,000
total goal

$71,465
remaining

48
donors

1
monthly donor

4
years

Challenge

Recent studies are showing there are approximately 6,000 Kansas City 13-to 24-year-olds in need. Shelters are at capacity and are not able to focus on the development of children in their care. They are struggling to provide life skill education and serve as the foundation of a family for children who need it the most. This population is vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, addiction, crime, and suicide, all continuing the cycle of poverty they were born into.

Solution

This program helps bridge the gaps identified by shelters and the youth we serve. The HALO Learning Center is a safe-haven of healing and hope that works to break the cycle of poverty. With the support of staff and volunteers, HALO puts homeless kids on a path to a positive future. We provide therapeutic art programs, tutoring, professional development, scholarships, and help preparing for higher education. The homeless teens we work with don't just exceed expectations, they defy the odds.

Long-Term Impact

Children show they have improved mental and physical health. They have mastered the life skills it takes to obtain a degree/certificate and secure and maintain quality employment. These skills lead to a positive outlook on their future and holds the potential for a total reversal of fortune and becoming a contributing member of their community. The investment in one child could save our society over $300,000 in costs associated with welfare and incarceration.