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THE NEED

There are about 6,000 children affected by homelessness aged zero to five in Ventura County, children living doubled up in temporary living situations, transitional housing, shelters, uninhabitable places, and on the street.

Learn to Read

Generally, by age five, these children:

  • Have a vocabulary deficit of 10,000 words compared to housed children

  • Are emotionally stressed, 20% having a diagnosable mental illness

  • Are developmentally delayed and/or unready for kindergarten

They are at risk for:

  • Acute illnesses and mental health difficulties

  • Attachment and relationship problems

  • School problems in learning and behaviors

Teacher with Pupils
Kid Piling Blocks

These factors lead to high risk for:

  • Drug and alcohol problems and/or abuse

  • Dropping out of school and/or legal problems

  • Homelessness as adults

  • Difficulty with parenting

  • Unsafe, unstable relationships