Though a key stopgap, motels are no place for homeless kids
KUDOS TO the Globe for making sure that the more than 1,000 homeless children whose families remain temporarily housed in motels - often in isolated, unhealthy, and unsafe conditions - are not forgotten (“A room to call home,’’ Page A1, June 24). Homelessness can result in irreparable harm to children. The inadequacy of the resources available to support the developmental needs of children in the motels will result in even greater harm, and ultimately greater costs.
As Jenifer B. McKim’s article made clear, while motels are a necessary stopgap measure to keep some homeless families from resorting to cars, campgrounds, and abandoned buildings, they are poor environments to support the needs of children.
While we commend the Patrick administration for marshalling housing resources and developing new strategies aimed at reducing the number of families with children in motels and shelters, we as a community must do more.
We have a collective responsibility to ensure that all children and their families are living in safe, secure conditions and are connected to local community resources as they work toward self-sufficiency.
Sue Heilman
Executive director Horizons for Homeless Children
Roxbury
Robert Taube
Executive director Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
Boston 