A nonprofit in Dallas has started a program to help kids whose families do not have permanent housing adjust to life in a shelter. Dallas LIFE introduced the "Teddy Cares" initiative at its shelter this week.
Dallas ISD says more than 3,900 of its 143,000 students are either homeless or experiencing "housing instability." Across Texas, the Legislative Budget Board says more than 100,000 students deal with homelessness each year.
"We have an opportunity to love on these kids," says Dallas LIFE Executive Director Bob Sweeney. "We have an opportunity through teddycares.org to change the life of a kid one child at a time."
Sweeney wrote a book called Teddy Cares, which tells the story of a bear explaining to its companion their situation was only temporary, what happens at a shelter and how they will be taken care of. Sweeney read the book to kids at the shelter this week.
"Our hearts go out to homeless children here at Dallas LIFE as well as across the country," he says. "We realize in our time we're asked to take care of children all over the world, but what about the kids right here in America, in our city?"
Sweeney gave each child a copy of the book and a teddy bear, and the kids then played together. He says Teddy Cares can help kids make friends and see they are not alone.
"Kids are hurting, and their parents are hurting. Shelters are full to capacity," he says. "A kid never asks to be in a homeless shelter."
"This gives children an opportunity to bond over a book," says Gloria Sandoval, program administrator with the City of Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions.
Sweeney says Dallas LIFE works with families to help them leave homelessness and find a permanent place to live. The nonprofit offers a ten month program called, "Homeless No More."
The program starts with orientation where people stay on the campus and begin workforce development. Classes begin in the second phase; in the third phase, people begin a focus on job and housing applications and work with a mentor. In the fourth phase, applications are finished.
"Homeless people used to have a home," Sweeney says. "If we don't find out why they lost that one, they might lose every free one."
Sandoval, with the City of Dallas, says the story Sweeney wrote will "resonate" with kids currently in homelessness, housing instability or food insecurity because it will give them a feeling of companionship.
"It gives them the warmth of companionship and love," she says. "So many times, children are looking at iPads and telephones. I like we're going back to reading a book. After the story's over, they have love and companionship. It's a beautiful story, and we're proud to support Bob and this program."
She says a program where kids can make friends and have fun while reading can spark a life-long love for learning.
Sweeney will be handing out books and bears at Union Gospel Mission in Fort Worth Thursday. He hopes to raise enough money to carry out the program for a million kids at 300 shelters across America. He says a $50 donation will pay for a bear, book and shipping to any city in the country.
People can learn more at https://teddycares.org/.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube