a Family’s Guide to

Filled with

fun activities

for kids!

at

Tips for talking to kids about

Homelessness

As children grow, they naturally become more curiousabout how other people live. Since homelessness is a reality

in our community, children may start to notice it andask tough questions such as, “Mom, where does that man

sleep at night?”or “Dad, what does that woman’s sign say?”When addressing these issues with your children, rememberthat you don’t have to know all of the answers and the most

important thing is to remain empathetic.

Our House has a library of children’s books from theInstitute for Children and Poverty, and if you’d like to

check out some of these book to share with your children,please contact the Our House volunteer coordinator.

Help provide afternoon snack foods for Our Houseresidents. Ask an adult to help you in the kitchen tomake cookies, Rice Krispie treats, trail mix, or another treat for residents to eat. Try this fun recipe!

Pretzel Chocolate snacksIngredients:Bite sized waffled shaped pretzelsChocolate kissesM&Ms1. Line a baking tray with pretzels. Then place an unwrapped chocolate kiss on each pretzel. Preheatoven to 170 degrees.2. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the baking trayand place an M&M into the center of each softenedchocolate kiss.3. Put the treats in the fridge to cool for ten minutes.

Activity!

Ask an adult to

help you make

this yummy

recipe!

Get your friends, classmates, congregation, or othercommunity group involved in collecting much neededitems for Our House. Here’s how:

1. Come up with a creative name for your drive2. Hang up signs and announce the event. Let people know when & where you will collect the items. Let someone at Our House know as well.3. Get boxes, bags, or any other supplies for the drive.4. Bring the items to Our House!5. Remember to thank everyone who helped you and donated.

Activity!

Draw you & your

friends collecting

items on the next

page. Be creative!

MYTH: Being homeless is a choice. Homeless people break laws,have mental illnesses, and substance abuse issues.

FACT: Being homeless is not a choice. Homeless people are tryingdesperately to find a way of being self-sufficient. They may face oneof the above problems just as people who are not homeless do

Go through your belongings

at home and donate any

gently used shoes, clothing,

or other items that residents

at Our House may need.

Activity!Match the objectsbelow by drawing

a line betweenthe ones that are

the same!

Growing a garden at home helps kids in somany ways. It’s not only a great source of

exercise and fresh food, but it also teaches usabout environmental responsibility. If you have

a garden at home, think about sharing theharvest with the residents at Our House. We

always appreciate fresh fruits and vegetables,and you won’t be letting your bounty go to waste!

MYTH: Providing services to homeless people is a hand out & doesnot solve the problem of homelessness.

FACT: Homeless people need a hand up, not a hand out. Providingservices such as workforce training, education, childcare, & youthprograms will help Arkansas find a way out of homelessness.

Activity!

Have fun

completing the

cross word

puzzle on the

next page!

Y H H P L N B V G T Y U I

J L E T T U C E D C E W Q

L J X S T J H N O G A W O

Y O H S W B E A N S C I N

M E X W G F R K U Y A D I

S T R A W B E R R Y R O O

V T E I J H G P W C R G N

I F X B N K O D W E O Y P

P R A D I S H S G H T E E

O E F W V B J S Z F U I P

N R T V H J O P D E A A P

A H J T O M A T O D E E E

Q J D V T C P R L B C A R

C O R N A L I M T S G D P

STRAWBERRYTOMATO

RADISHSQUASH

BEANSCARROT

CORNLETTUCE

ONIONPEPPER

What does your garden grow?

Ever wanted to host a talent show, fashion show,

movie night, or even a dog show? Why not host an

event to benefit ? With the help of your

friends and family, plan your event. Be sure to

advertise around your neighborhood, and then ask

people to donate funds in order to participate or

attend. If you have questions, feel free to ask. This

is a great chance to be a leader in your community.

MYTH: Homeless people are mostly older men.FACT: Homeless people can be men or women, young or old, familiesor individuals. Sometimes you may notice a homeless person who livesoutside, byt many times you may not know if someone is homeless. Children who are homeless may still go to school. Adults who are homeless may still have a job in the community.

Activity!

Have fun

coloring

the next page!

The next time you and your child are at the grocery

store picking out a new toothbrush, backpack, or

any other item, remember to buy two instead of one.

Then, give the spare item to a child who needs it at

Our House.Activity!

Find what isdifferent and whatis alike betweenthe objects below