The Churn is a cycle of handouts, temporary fixes, dependency and pain that keeps people trapped in homelessness and instability. Those who were homeless refer to this as a never-ending stream of “compassion transactions.” It continues for years until it becomes an inter-generational problem. The Churn doesn’t just impact individuals; it captures their families too.
There are half a million children who are cycling in and out of homelessness in the United States RIGHT NOW. They sleep in cars, are vouchered into motels or get ready for school in restaurant bathrooms. They move from shelter to shelter or watch their parents battle addiction—all while trying to grow and learn like every other kid. Of these 500,000 children without homes, 75% of them will drop out of school.
Unless we commit fully to solving the root causes of homelessness and ending The Churn, these children will be more likely to fall into the same patterns. They’ll become tomorrow’s homeless adult, creating another generation of loss and pain.
Solutions for Change is taking on the enormous challenge of solving the root causes of homelessness and crushing The Churn. We have a long way to go, but we must never give up, because when a parent overcomes The Churn, they can raise their children in stable, loving homes and give them the chance at an even brighter future.
