Dona Anderson, Director of the Institute for Children, Poverty and Homelessness, joins Family Connections to discuss the issues children face when living in poverty. Nearly one in four children lives below the poverty level in our country, and the number has grown during in the economic downturn. Dona explains the effects of poverty and homelessness on children, and the importance of providing early intervention and prevention to increase their opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. She also describes the ways in which families cope with poverty, and the myriad of services available, but not always accessible. We’ll discuss the national demographics and statistics of homelessness and poverty, and the differences between urban versus suburban or rural poverty. Dona does a great job of illuminating the importance of demonstrating compassion and empathy with children and families living in poverty and coping with homelessness, with resource books for children, teachers, and adults!