Editor’s note: This story about kids and democracy by author Diane Nilan, who gives voice to especially homeless women and children, was originally published in Medium here.
I learned a humbling lesson recently. It took a personal injury — a broken elbow — to remind me that people all around suffer physical and mental injuries, and I am not immune. I am fortunate enough to have access to medical care and the resources I need to get over this speed bump. So many others don’t.
A huge segment of our population — children — don’t have the wherewithal to endure the challenges that come their way. Among those challenges: hunger, housing, healthcare, education, safe environment. Their needs can bypass our awareness as easily as someone can ignore the cast on my arm. We get caught up in our own world, causing us to ignore the hardships around us.
Recent federal action has imperiled food access for over 700,000 children. Food! Because of my work with families experiencing homelessness, I know how the deprivation of adequate nutrition for families can be devastating. In addition to the obvious — hungry children — parents unable to provide for their children feel powerless.
This short video features 3 moms named Melissa sharing their thoughts on parenting while homeless.
It’s hard to believe that the motivation behind these callous cuts is anything other than cruelty.
Research shows that children who receive SNAP benefits are healthier, have better academic outcomes, use hospitals less often and have better mental health as teenagers.
[Mariana Chilton, an expert in child hunger at University of Massachusetts, Amherst]… called the situation a “public health crisis” in the making. “When children are not healthy, this affects children today and it affects them throughout their lifetimes, she said, likening hunger during early childhood to a brain injury.” — ProPublica
In addition to children experiencing hunger, millions of children in America experience homelessness. People in power have long denied the scope of this issue. And this denial causes great suffering for children and their parents. This recent report indicates the level of undercounting students experiencing homelessness. It doesn’t even touch the issue of babies and toddlers.
Don’t say we can’t afford it
We are far past the argument that our government doesn’t have funding for such things as feeding children, or providing housing to homeless families and individuals, healthcare for those who otherwise can’t afford it, education for all, and childcare for those who need it. For me and others who think the same, we look at our tax dollars being wasted on wars and cruelty and wonder what can we do?
Let me suggest a few actions:
- Vote. Wisely. Understand that no candidate is perfect, but when you vote, make sure the candidate has at least expressed awareness of and compassion for those who are struggling. Don’t ignore the down ballot elections either. Check with your League of Women Voters or other non-partisan groups as to the best candidates. November ’26 elections are VITAL!
- Get involved in your local community. It might be a food bank, shelter, Little League team, or library. A lot of good energy can come from this involvement, aside from providing service. Get smart. Needs within your community probably far exceed your awareness. Ignorance is no excuse. In the democracy that we’re trying to save, we must reach out to those around us and share what we have. There’s no other way around it.
- If you want to learn more about family homelessness and poverty, I suggest that you start with books in my collection. They’re easy to read and focus on what most people don’t understand. Proceeds benefit families in need.
- Participate to whatever extent possible in local democracy-saving actions. Most communities now have groups like Indivisible fighting for our democracy. They rely on people like us to join their activities and contribute to their all-volunteer organizations.Not everyone can do everything. Each of us can do something.
Happy 250th birthday, America!
Here’s a short video that I put together to honor our country’s 250th birthday. It will get your toes tapping!
For more stories about poverty, homelessness, social justice, democracy, and the fight for a more compassionate society, follow Fourth Wave. Also check out our Livestreams and sign up for our Newsletter. Let’s grow the community!
Have you got a story or poem that focuses on women or other targeted groups? Submit to the Wave!
