The initiative is critical because medical bills
have consistently been the top cause of
bankruptcy in the U.S. for the past 40 years, and
homeless children are much more likely to have
chronic health conditions, said Bobby Watts,
chief executive of the council.
Most families who come to Popsicle Place had
some semblance of work and home stability
before a child’s health issue contributed to their
homelessness, either because parents could
no longer work while they cared for their child
or because the cost of care left them unable to
afford housing.
Watts said it’s unknown how many families
struggle with that type of homelessness
because the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development only tracks the health
conditions of homeless adults. He has never
met Bezos but was an adviser for the Amazon
boss’s private “Day 1 Families Fund,” which offers
donations to groups sheltering young families.
Cindy Manginelli, who visits families in shelters
across Tennessee as coordinator for the
TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project, said the
instability of homelessness is at odds with the
needs of sick children.
Being homeless means moving often, which
disrupts the continuity of care. Parents dealing
with a child’s diagnosis also must worry about
providing basics like food. And kids lack the
comforts of home, often something as simple as
a familiar bed.
“If you are told to lay down and rest — which
is a big part of getting better — how can you?”
Manginelli said.