What else don’t I know?

Becca’s children are 10 years apart, a 7-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy. “It’s a tough age difference to try to parent across this age divide,” Becca admits. Two years ago, when they lost their apartment due to a resurgence of Becca’s chronic medical condition, they moved in with her children’s great aunt. But with five children in a two-bedroom apartment, the situation became volatile, and Becca began looking for another option.

Becca called a shelter, only to learn that her son (15 years old at the time) would not be able to stay with Becca and her daughter in the same room. As a “young man,” he would be expected to go alone to the men’s shelter.

Recently, when I shared this story with a friend of mine, she was shocked. “It reminds me that there is so much I don’t know about what families face each day when they are homeless,” she said.
At Bridge of Hope, we are committed to cultural humility, which means a commitment to lifelong learning and critical self-reflection. My friend’s simple statement that there is so much she doesn’t know is a beautiful example of what cultural humility looks like. What else don’t we know as we lean in to love our neighbors facing homelessness?

As you reflect on your own questions about family homelessness, here is some additional information that you might find helpful to think about:

• Family homelessness is often hidden. Families are not typically visible on the streets or seen panhandling or holding signs at intersections. While homelessness alone is not supposed to be grounds for removing a child from a parent, families do often avoid seeking help because of fear and stigma around child protective services.
• Only 50% of families who are homeless are in a shelter. Those who are not in shelters may be on shelter waiting lists, feel unsafe taking their children to shelters or may be trying to avoid the stigma of shelter and social services. Additionally, as in Becca’s situation, some shelters in some communities, separate men and women, splitting families up or requiring teenage boys go in the men’s shelter instead of with their mother and younger siblings. For some families, their past trauma from social service agencies is so significant that they avoid shelters at all costs.
• The majority of mothers facing homelessness have experienced violence, and most of their children have either experienced or personally witnessed violence as well. The following graph tells a bit more about the risk factors of families we serve at Bridge of Hope.

To learn more, visit: Network Data Highlights

In this work of engaging Christian faith communities in ending family homelessness, let’s all lean in with cultural humility – including ongoing learning and curiosity about the experiences of being homeless with children. When we lean in as learners, it can help us release judgement and offer grace.

Bridge of Hope Berks officially launched this month as our newest Bridge of Hope Affiliate! This milestone represents a lot of prayer, discernment, and faithfully taking next steps from many on this team and founding board. It marks a meaningful step forward in expanding our collective impact for families facing homelessness. We are deeply thankful for the leaders who have said “yes” to building this bridge in Berks County, PA! Join us in praying for them as they raise funds to hire their first staff and serve families and Neighboring Volunteers.   

Mark your calendar for the Bridge of Hope Spring Gala Luncheon on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the DoubleTree Resort in Lancaster, PA!
We’ll be gathering around this year’s inspiring theme, “Hope Can’t Wait: Stories of Strength and Resilience,” celebrating the strong and loving relationships that help families find security and joy during difficult times.

Learn more and register to sponsor by clicking here!

Interested in learning more about homelessness and a faith-based response? Check out Kevin Nye’s new book which released today: Hope for the Mission. This book includes a highlight about Bridge of Hope’s work!