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Homeless women become kids' blessing

By KEVIN GRAHAM
Published December 11, 2006

TAMPA - Karen Huelsenbeck is homeless, but she's putting aside her worries this season to focus on a group of Hillsborough County elementary students who also don't have homes.

Her heart broke when she saw a news story about 60 homeless students at Shaw Elementary School in north Tampa. She and others in a women's group at the Agency for Community Treatment Services, which provides temporary housing to homeless, wanted to do something special for the youths.

"I know that it's Christmastime and these children need a blessing right now," Huelsenbeck said. "I just put it in God's hands."

Three of the women, mothers themselves, decided to solicit donations to get the students Christmas stockings filled with personal hygiene products, school supplies and toys. Word about their plan began to spread and contributions from the community poured in.

Toothpaste. Soap. Shampoo. Lotion.

"Doing something for somebody like this helps to take your mind off your own problems," said Laurie Nazareth, one of the women at the facility.

This is the first community project the ACTS program women's group has done, said their counselor, Selena Clingan.

"One of the therapeutic things we teach is giving back," said Clingan, explaining that the temporary housing program takes in adults who have mental health issues or substance abuse problems. "I think it's boosting their confidence and self-esteem."

Fewer than 1 percent, or 1,800 students, are classified as homeless in Hillsborough County, according Ken Gaughan, supervisor of school social work services.

"We see poverty every day," Gaughan said.

Being homeless doesn't necessarily mean sleeping on the street, although some students may, he said. Other students' families live with relatives or friends. Some live in cars.

"The homeless population by and large is intact families with young children," Gaughan said. "It's not a stereotypical view."

Urban areas around the county see higher concentrations of homeless students, but the problem is everywhere.

Gaughan said half of the county's 191,000 public school students come from homes with incomes low enough to qualify the children for free school lunch.

"We see a lot of people struggling," Gaughan said. "It takes a small group to make a difference."

Lora Danier, one of the women collecting items for the stockings, hopes this small gesture of love can boost the students' faith.

"We've all been homeless, we've all been through this," Danier said. "Just put your trust in God and know that what you're going through is only temporary."

Kevin Graham can be reached at 813 226-3433 or kgraham@sptimes.com.

Donations

The Agency for Community Treatment Services is accepting cash donations to buy stocking stuffers for homeless Shaw Elementary School students. For more information on how to help, call ACTS at (813) 879-1649. Items will be delivered to students on Wednesday.

Homeless students need clothing throughout the school year. To give, drop off clothes at any school. Gift certificates to shoe stores, socks, underwear and school supplies are greatly needed.

[Last modified December 11, 2006, 00:31:32]