Homeless

A clean bed, a hot meal and a warm heart ­- American Red Cross Homeless Services provide a critical service to those in need.Some shelters operated by chapters also offer life skill development assistance including budget development, parenting classes, counseling and support groups. Transitional housing programs allow for more in-depth assistance, for periods of up to a year. Contact your local chapter to find out if they offer any of these services in your area.

Joy and Sadness in Homeless Children's Artwork

Written by Jessica Bernstein, Redcross.org
Based on interviews with Megan Prescott

Art teacher Megan Prescott with an exhibit of her students' work.

When Vanessa walked into the homeless shelter's teen center, art teacher Megan Prescott remembered her immediately. Megan had been a substitute teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School and she recalled that Vanessa was talented at drawing and excited about art, dance, and music. Vanessa is one of many homeless young people who gather once a week for art classes at the Family Shelter run by the Middlesex County (Connecticut) Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The Family Shelter provides homes for families for up to three months. Each family lives in one half of a large duplex house. The Teen Center, where young people participate in art classes and other activities, is located on the lower floor of one of the duplexes. The art classes are held every Tuesday afternoon for an hour and a half; children of all ages join in.

Art is a natural tool for expression and children are often more comfortable communicating through artwork than through language. These particular children have much to express. Many are coming from tough life experiences including poverty and violence. Their artwork often conveys sadness and fear. But for an hour and a half each week, these children are figuratively transported from their homeless environment. They are able to participate in something special.

Prescott marvels at the children's resilience and accomplishments, "Many children in this program have created amazing works of art while learning basic art elements and principles. For some, creating works of art give them hope; they may never have thought they were good at anything before. It gives the children an opportunity to feel special and unique."

Megan remembers a class last winter when a young girl appeared silently at her side shyly showing her painting. A dark brown and gray mass took up the whole canvas; blue eyes and large tears were vaguely discernable. "The grief in this picture struck me immediately," said Prescott. "I asked the girl if she could give this picture a name." "The sad rock," she answered quietly, her eyes looking down. "In moments like these I am reminded of how art works as a healing tool for those who cannot easily verbalize emotion or complex ideas," reflects Prescott.

There are also many joyful elements in the children's artwork. At a recent American Red Cross Homeless Services conference, a group came to visit the Teen Center. Eight-year old Shaonna dashed in just as nearly all of the group had left. One lingering and lucky woman, however, got to have a tour given personally by Shaonna, one of the dozen artists whose work was on display. When Shaonna got to her picture, a huge butterfly painted in red, blue, and brown tempera paint she exclaimed, "Someday I'm gonna be an artist!" Her huge smile and sparkling eyes made those who saw her want to smile too.

In the 10 months since the art classes began, 40 children have participated. Once children leave the homeless shelter for longer-term housing, they can continue to participate in the classes for up to several months. Megan Prescott sees a number of the children after they leave the shelter. She believes that a genuine connection is made among the children and between herself and the children.

Megan Prescott with Vanessa's painting, Seasons, which was on display at the public library.

Prescott has seen Vanessa develop her artistic confidence. Vanessa recently shared the good news that she was accepted into a summer art program. Teacher and student often talk and imagine Vanessa's future as a famous artist or designer. Just in case that doesn't happen right away, they also talk about what sort of college she may want to attend. At 15, Vanessa is older than most of the children in the programs. Funny and focused, she is a great role model. The younger children beg her to draw them pictures. Vanessa gladly obliges and signs her artwork. And, in the children's world, Vanessa is Michelangelo.

Read another story about the Family Shelter and the Transitional Living Program (TLP) of the Middlesex County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Visit this chapter's Web site.

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