A national conference on family homelessness, welfare reform and what comes next sponsored by The Academy of Political Science, The Institute for Children and Poverty, and Columbia University.

Tonight, over one million children in America will be homeless. They and their families are living in shelters and hotels, doubled-up with friends or relatives, on the streets and in parks. As a result of their homelessness, they are struggling in school, their health is failing, and they are not getting enough to eat. Over the past two decades, heightened awareness and a strong economy have led to enhanced legislative and private support for homeless children and their families. Yet, the problem of family homelessness persists.

The time has come to rethink homelessness. The Academy of Political Science, The Institute for Children and Poverty, and Columbia University invited those working to end family homelessness to join a discussion about solutions. Experts in the fields of education, social service, journalism, business, philanthropy, and government came together to discuss and propose new ways to address the issue. Participants had the opportunity to collect the most current data on family homelessness and were exposed to practical, effective strategies that address an entrenched poverty that continues to grow.

Panels discussed:

• Homelessness and welfare reform
• The connection between foster care and homelessness
• The education of homeless children
• The link between race and homelessness
• Violence and emotional health in the lives of homeless families
• Housing the homeless: transitional, supportive, and public housing
• Approaches to community development
• Health care
• Fundraising strategies
• Using research to advocate for homeless families
• Using pro bono legal services for organizational development

  Additional Activities included:

• Tours of area programs serving homeless families
• Opportunities to see the Big Apple!

Host Hotel Information:
The Grand Hyatt New York is a landmark 35-story hotel on 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan. The hotel's premiere location, adjacent to famed Grand Central Station, is just steps away from Broadway theaters, the United Nations, Fifth Avenue shopping, world-famous museums, and other reknowned landmarks and restaurants.

Registration information:
All conference workshops and events were free to members of the Academy of Political Science. A registration fee included a continental breakfast, lunch, and evening reception.