CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A Hampton Roads-based organization is asking the community for help in its outreach efforts.
ForKids is one of the largest providers for families in Virginia, aiming to end the cycle of homelessness in Hampton Roads.
“Homelessness in Hampton Roads is a big issue, and it’s a traumatic experience,” said ForKids crisis response director Shirley Brackett.
She explained it also disproportionately affects families in our area, saying, “We’ve got little kids out there in cars and in parks, waiting for housing and waiting for shelter.”
The summer months put an extra strain on these families as school is out of session.
“Summer is disproportionately hard on families that are low to moderate income,” Brackett explained. “Daycare rates go up. Kids aren’t in school, so they’re eating more foods.”
A recent social media post on the organization’s Facebook page draws attention to its need for help in the summer months, especially with household supplies. The post said cleaning supply donations are urgently needed as “shelves are bare.”
“Cleaning supplies are a large part of a household budget," Brackett said. "I mean, a box of Tide Pods is no less than $10. Even if you’re getting SNAP benefits, that doesn’t purchase all the other things you need outside of groceries, like toilet paper and laundry soap.”
That’s where ForKids comes in, providing those supplies to families without a place to stay and helping them create a clean space when they transition into a home.
“Homelessness is how you become a client of For Kids, but once we are able to get you stabilized and back into housing, we generally spend 6-15 months with our families to make sure they are stable and ready,” Brackett said.
Now the organization needs the community’s help in its mission to support others.
ForKids welcomes any new supplies as donations. Staffers also have an urgent needs list on Amazon where you can purchase items to be delivered right to the organization.