In a world where over 600,000 people in the U.S. experience homelessness, the journey to losing a home can be a harrowing one, especially when it means losing touch with family. Thankfully, a dedicated team at Family Connect is working to change that by reuniting individuals facing homelessness with their long-lost loved ones.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on a chilly night in January 2013, there were 610,042 individuals without homes. These statistics can be staggering, reminding us that behind every number lies a person with a story. “Mom, I miss you, and I love you, and I need to see you,” shared Jacob Thompson in a heartfelt video message, having not spoken to his mother in a decade. Then there’s Tom Richards, who hasn’t seen his children in 19 long years, lamenting, “I can never find them.” These are just a couple of heartfelt stories of individuals reaching out to reconnect through Family Connect.
The Inspiration Behind Family Connect
The inspiration behind Family Connect comes from Sam Carter, who remembers his uncle as a joyful person who always celebrated everyone’s birthday. Unfortunately, his uncle battled schizophrenia and spent years on the streets until he passed away. “People dealing with challenges are just like the rest of us,” he said. “Some face mental health issues, while others just hit a rough patch—divorce, missed bills, or a medical emergency.” Sam’s uncle’s experiences fueled his desire to create Family Connect, a lifeline for those in need.
How It Works
So how does it work? Volunteers team up with homeless individuals at shelters, meal programs, or even on the streets to help them record messages for their loved ones. Imagine going weeks, months, or even years without hearing from your family. Once a message is captured, volunteers dive into the digital world to track down the recipients, leveraging social media to amplify the message and increase the chances of a reunion.
Once a family is located, Family Connect facilitates a response video, paving the way for further communication that ideally leads to phone calls and, in some cases, in-person reunions. “Many individuals on the streets struggle with mental health, addiction, or disabilities,” Sam wrote. “[They] have families who miss them and love them, just like everyone else.” To date, the organization has successfully sent out 30 messages and organized 15 reunions, with 40% of those reunited no longer living on the streets. Yes, you read that right—40%!
Get Involved
If you’re interested in helping homeless individuals reconnect with their families, consider volunteering with Family Connect. It’s simple: just fill out an intake form, and you’ll be guided through the process of recording and sharing messages.
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In summary, Family Connect is making a powerful impact by bridging the gap between homeless individuals and their families, reminding us all of the importance of connection in times of struggle.