Homeless for the
Holidays
An American Family Epidemic
By Alicia Singleton
An American Family Epidemic
By Alicia Singleton
Firelight
catches the Christmas tinsel in mid-dance, reflects its amber
brilliance amid the bedazzled fir branches. Squeals of joy from
children melds with their parent’s laughter. Families gather around the
glow of the Menorah to give thanks. The seven principles of Kwanza
renew a community’s spirit, its soul.
Tis the season for warm wishes, merriment, family, food and
thanksgiving. But, for many American families, this holiday season is
marred by a new found, depressing reality. Family homelessness. The
statistics are staggering.
• Families comprise 40% of all who are homeless.
• 42% of homeless children are under the age of 6.
• According to the 2010 United States Conference of Mayors Report, family homelessness increased by 9%.
• Families with children comprise one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population today.
• More than 15% of Americans live in poverty, including 1 in 5 children (22%), the highest rate in the
industrialized world.
The suspense thriller, Dark Side of Valor, delves into the harrowing world of teen homelessness. Lelia Freeman’s fictitious life of homelessness and tragedy are the real life experiences of many American teens. With the aid of her community, Lelia’s story ends in triumph. There is hope for families as well as youth and teens battling homelessness. Youth and family shelters, organizations that aid families in crisis and ordinary citizens engaging in random acts of kindness need our help. American families need our help. Donate. Volunteer your time. Together, America can defeat family homelessness.
Meet Author Alicia Singleton
Alicia Singleton, an award winning author, was born and raised in Philadelphia. The Howard University graduate embraced the written word at an early age. She credits this to her loving older sister. Alicia resides in Maryland with her wonderful husband and son. Still an avid reader, Alicia is currently at work on a new novel. Visit her website at www.aliciasingleton.com.
• Families comprise 40% of all who are homeless.
• 42% of homeless children are under the age of 6.
• According to the 2010 United States Conference of Mayors Report, family homelessness increased by 9%.
• Families with children comprise one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population today.
• More than 15% of Americans live in poverty, including 1 in 5 children (22%), the highest rate in the
industrialized world.
The suspense thriller, Dark Side of Valor, delves into the harrowing world of teen homelessness. Lelia Freeman’s fictitious life of homelessness and tragedy are the real life experiences of many American teens. With the aid of her community, Lelia’s story ends in triumph. There is hope for families as well as youth and teens battling homelessness. Youth and family shelters, organizations that aid families in crisis and ordinary citizens engaging in random acts of kindness need our help. American families need our help. Donate. Volunteer your time. Together, America can defeat family homelessness.
Meet Author Alicia Singleton
Alicia Singleton, an award winning author, was born and raised in Philadelphia. The Howard University graduate embraced the written word at an early age. She credits this to her loving older sister. Alicia resides in Maryland with her wonderful husband and son. Still an avid reader, Alicia is currently at work on a new novel. Visit her website at www.aliciasingleton.com.
