Back in the 1990’s The Hope Foundation for the Homeless discovered “mothers with children — especially babies — were becoming the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population.” In addition, the number of babies born into homelessness was growing.
You need facts and figure. Just knew you would. How about this one: 1,100 North Texas children spend the night in homeless and domestic violence shelters. And, remember, not all homeless kids make it to the shelters.
This trend was so disturbing to the foundation’s board of directors, they made changes. A new name: Captain Hope’s Kids. A new mission: To focus its resources on meeting the critical needs of homeless children.
Over the years, Captain Hope has created programs, events and partnerships to help these children. In 2010, Captain Hope’s Kids provided 549,419 much-needed-items to 40,000 homeless children.
With this in mind, Wick Phillips Gould Martin attorney Seema Tendolkar has joined the board of Captain Hope’s Kids, where she will sit on various committees to raise awareness and provide advocate aid on behalf of the children in need.
Seema said, “A 2010 census of Dallas County’s homeless showed that women and children made up 47 percent of the known homeless population, and in this economy, the number for 2011 is likely to be significantly higher. Approximately 66 percent of those homeless children will be under the age of nine and 33 percent are infants and toddlers under three years old. These statistics make it clear that immediate action is required from organizations such as Captain Hope’s Kids as well as North Texas business leaders. This is an organization that is much needed, and I am privileged to be part of a movement that is working to improve the quality of life for these children.”