Webinar: Family Homelessness and Libraries

Originally presented September 1, 2021

In this webinar, librarian Vikki Terrile provides an overview of family homelessness in the United States and how libraries can support children and families in homeless situations.

Prior to the Great Recession, families with children had been the fastest growing population to experience housing instability and deprivation; the recession led to dramatic increases in family homelessness that did not fully disappear in the years leading up to the COVID-19 crisis. Widespread economic instability and high rates of eviction over the past year have again increased the numbers of children and families in homeless situations, while also highlighting ongoing social and economic inequities.

Within this context, libraries can serve as a key support and community resource for children and parents whose housing is unstable. This webinar will provide practical tips for connecting with local schools and community organizations to understand the nature of family homelessness in your community and to reach families where they are.

Vikki also addresses the range of services and programming options that you can offer, how to address barriers to creating and sustaining these services, and how to leverage these activities to advocate for families and for libraries.

Click below to experience this webinar as a tutorial. When you continue past the introduction to the webinar, you'll be prompted to log in. We require login to view the whole tutorial so we can provide certificates of completion for your records and for professional development credit. No purchase is required and you can create a Niche Academy account if you don't already have one. The certificate will be available for download when you have completed all sections of the tutorial.  

Click the link below to download the presentation slides:
Family Homelessness and Libraries Slides