SALINAS, Calif., May 21, 2009
Losing Homes And Ending Childhoods
CBS Reports: Economic Meltdown Leaves Homeless Children To Grow Up Fast
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Tristen Clark, a homeless 11 year old, at school. (CBS)
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Play CBS Video Video Spotlight On Child Abuse Calls to domestic violence hotlines are up 21 percent and, often, children are the victims. In an online survey of law enforcement officials, many cited the recession as the reason. Sandra Hughes reports.
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Video The Recession Worries Children Seth Doane reports on the psychological impact of the recession on kids. Jennifer Hartstein explains to Maggie Rodriguez how to explain to kids about money concerns without worrying them.
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E-MAIL US Recession's Impact On Kids Know any children -- perhaps even your own -- suffering from the effects of the economic downturn? Let us know, and we might tell their story as part of the special CBS News initiative, "Children of the Recession."
Meet 11-year old Tristen Clarke, and his mother Rhonda.
If you want to understand what it means to be a homeless child in this recession, walk a day in Tristen's size 7 sneakers.
"How is life for you?" asked CBS News correspondent Byron Pitts.
"Pretty bad," Tristen said. "Everything has gone down the drain. We don't have enough money to pay, we can't afford food."
At schools teachers describe Tristen as a sweet boy: smart and innocent.
"I feel lucky about my life because right now I'm not really on the street or in a cardboard box," Tristen said.
Instead, he and his mom live in the El Dorado Motel on a busy street in a tough neighborhood in Salinas, Calif. There are 22 other homeless families here.
They landed here after she lost her job in January as a job coach for people with disabilities. That means a cramped space, no car and no health insurance. There's just a bed for her, an air mattress for him, and a plastic bowl for Tristen's turtle. Last week Rhonda's $90 weekly unemployment check stopped.
"I try to save food," Tristen said.
"What do you mean?" Pitts asked.
"If we're going to run out of food I'll only eat a little of it and save it for later," Tristen said.
His grades have dropped - he'll have to repeat 5th grade. His self esteem is falling. And he is often afraid.
"I thought I was going to lose everything yesterday," Tristen said. "I thought we were going to lose everything."
"That scare you because that's a possibility?" Pitts asked.
"Yeah," Tristen said.
"Because you've lost things before?" Pitts asked.
"Yeah, I have," Tristen said.
Behind his Harry Potter face is a child in crisis. With his mother's permission, Pitts and Tristen kept talking.
"Find the words for me," Pitts said.
"Life and death," Tristen said.
"You think about life and death?" Pitts asked. "Why do you think about things like that?"
"Because I gave up," said Tristen, crying.
For the homeless children at the El Dorado Motel, life is often bleak. But there are a few bright spots. Like many school districts across the country, Salinas has a homeless children's advocate. Cheryl Camany helps identify homeless children and provides resources and free supplies.
As for Tristen Clarke, he says he has one real friend - 8-year-old Gus Hernandez, Jr. They're neighbors. Gus is also homeless.
"Me and him share the same life," Tristen said. "He understands me and I understand him."
They also share the same risk. Even a simple game of soccer can be dangerous ... when the ball rolls right into traffic. For their safety, the boys were ordered back to their rooms by the motel owner.
Anger and frustration brews in Gus every day. He lives with both parents and 4-year-old brother. They owned a house until Gus Sr. lost his job as a mortgage loan processor. The bank foreclosed on their home.
"My life is dumb," said Gus Jr. "We have to live in a motel, have to be in at a certain time. Can't play anywhere, and most of my friends are there."
"That must be hard?" asked Pitts.
"Today was a worse day, tomorrow may be better," Gus said.
"That makes you an optimist?" asked Pitts.
"Yeah," Gus said.
Later, Pitts went to talk to Tristen.
"What do you want Americans to know about you, what it means to be a child and homeless in America?" Pitts asked.
"We need people to help," Tristen said.
Children of the recession - for whom childhood has all but past them by.
Where you can offer help if you're able, or receive help if you need it:
District Outreach Consultant/Homeless Liaison, 840 South Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901
ATTN: Cheryl Camany
ccamany@monterey.k12.ca.us
831-753-5600
* Please indicate on check if you would like your donation to go directly to the Clarke and Hernandez families or to all homeless children identified in the Salinas School District
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More From Children of Recession
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See all 32 Commentsin my 55+ Community to help. I am going to try and send him some money each month even though I am on a fixed income but I still have sooo much more than him. If I send it to him at the El Dorado Motel in Salinas, California, will he get it. ? Please let me know as I also want
to send him a new pair of sneakers and socks.
A Pop Pop in New Jersey
Get a clue! Businesses did not get a tax break and the corporate taxes in America are the highest in the world. That is why there is an attraction for U.S. companies to open facilities in other countries. LOWER THE CORPORATE TAX RATE and jobs will be created.
Posted by debinok1 at 8:37 PM : May 21, 2009
Get a clue! Businesses did not get a tax break and the corporate taxes in America are the highest in the world. That is why there is an attraction for U.S. companies to open facilities in other countries. LOWER THE CORPORATE TAX RATE and jobs will be created.
Your response was about individual taxes, not corporate taxes.
Earlier this week, there was news coverage about a secret meeting of billionaires in New York City. Supposedly, they gathered to talk about philanthropic issues.
I would remind them that charity begins at home. This case in Salinas is not an isolated case. Rather, it is happening in cities and towns all across the United States.
Many people are facing difficult challenges, not by their own choice, but by circumstances beyond their control.
Nearly all of the helping organizations such as Salvation Army, Volunteers of America, The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, are being swamped by requests for help; but, can only provide modest help to those in need, because of a lack of money donations.
Almost every Catholic parish has a group of St. Vincent de Paul helpers, who try to provide some assistance to all who ask, regardless of race, age, religion, etc.
If you are interested in trying to help those in need, check with a local parish and ask to speak with a St. Vincent de Paul volunteer. They will be able to tell you what they need and how you can help them.
Another way of helping people in need, is to contact your local food bank and see how you might be able to help them with a food or money donation.
Then the children of these other countries grow up to hate us.
when is the United States going to take a good look at WE THE PEOPLE and stop forking all our money out to other countries. If you want to move your company oversees, the sell your junk oversees, we need to build america so america can support itself
I want to help the little guy and his mom get back on their feet. I have the address and urge other Americans to lend a hand.
Posted by dakag3
You mean take a lower paying job like at McDonalds, where they have HUNDREDS of people standing in line for ONE job. The problem is there are very few jobs available, and more people every day looking for them.
Posted by dakag3 at 1:21 AM : May 22, 2009
Cheers. Very well said.
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