Overview

How to Make Bad a Little Better for Kids Experiencing Homelessness Here in the United States, we're cultivating homelessness right. This iteration of homelessness-babies, toddlers, and young kids-doesn't get attention. But it's needed since these young ones may become homeless adults unless we intervene. Making Bad a Little Better gives a glimpse into this world of family homelessness. For those curious, or for those who work with or want to work with this underserved population, this book will help you understand who these kids and parents are, and what can be done to make their lives at least a little better. BONUS: Readers get links to several of my short videos of families sharing their stories of homelessness and what school means to them. Most people know little about family homelessness, even though families in various homeless situations are everywhere. Even families are confused by the definition of homelessness. Without delving deep into social sciences, readers will learn how we ended up with millions of families in homelessness. Those working with homeless students in school will learn the basics, and get resources to further help. Champions making bad a little better get a shoutout. The importance of the federal McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act (EHCYA) is also explained.

Full Product Details

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Table of Contents

Reviews

A Review by Barbara W JamesIn this little ebook, Diane Nilan takes readers into a world where most have never been: family homelessness. This has been her world for the last four decades, and it's one she knows all too well. Her groundbreaking videos tell the stories usually hidden in remote campgrounds, low-cost motels, homeless shelters, parks, vacant buildings, overcrowded apartments, or other unseen locations. Homeless education liaisons, social workers, shelter staff, and others across the country use these incisive videos in their efforts to raise awareness and generate solutions to this major problem. But this book goes beyond telling the stories of families living the challenges of homelessness, which even on their own are invaluable. This book is built on Diane's extensive knowledge and experience in the field. She takes the reader on a journey through varied aspects of family homelessness, beginning with a brief, but comprehensive, history of modern homelessness. Without this basic understanding of the issues, progress in addressing them will be minimal at best. Knowing the issues leads the reader into gaining a better understanding of the realities of family homelessness. For those who have never worried about whether they would have a safe place to sleep at night, how they would feed their child, or how they would purchase the clothes and supplies their child needs for school, it's a bit daunting and even scary to think about. Diane takes the reader through all the twists and turns of family homelessness, revealing what only those living it or working directly in it can know. Be prepared to be enlightened and ""dismazed,"" a term coined by Diane. Lest the reader despair that there is no hope for families experiencing homelessness, the final chapters showcase individuals and organizations that are making positive impacts for the families in their communities. These efforts must be recognized and expanded. There are solutions to this growing problem, but it will take an army of dedicated warriors to combat and resolve it. This book is a guide for those who want to make a real difference. May it inspire and encourage YOU to engage in your own form of advocacy on behalf of families experiencing homelessness near you.

Author Information

Diane Nilan, HEAR US founder/president and sole staff person, chronicles poverty, family homelessness and life along America's backroads. Nilan moved into a small camper in 2005 when she founded her nonprofit organization, HEAR US Inc. Her mission-give voice and visibility to the (now) 7 million+ children and youth living in cars and shelters, on the streets, or ""doubled up"" with other families. She has traveled over 500,000 miles of mostly backroads through 48 mainland states, and Hawaii, making dozens of films viewed by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Her work has earned recognition from a variety of organizations. Prior to HEAR US, Nilan ran shelters, worked on statewide (IL) and national advocacy campaigns, and collaborated with educators to improve awareness of and compliance with homeless education laws she helped pass. As of May 2023, she relocated to western North Carolina after living 50+ years in Illinois. HEAR US maintains its Illinois presence. Nilan continues to conduct presentations, film screenings and book talks; blogs and writes op-ed columns when she's not interviewing families/youth for her film projects. For info or to schedule, contact Diane.

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