There is no question that HomeFront will hold its annual summer camp for homeless and at-risk children — it’s just going to be a little more challenging because of cutbacks in funding to the non
By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
There is no question that HomeFront will hold its annual summer camp for homeless and at-risk children — it’s just going to be a little more challenging because of cutbacks in funding to the nonprofit organization.
That’s why HomeFront, which helps the homeless and the working poor, is seeking contributions to help make up for the loss in funding and to defray the costs of sending a child to camp. The eight-week summer camp program begins June 24.
The federal sequester, or automatic cutback in funding, has had an impact, said Connie Mercer, HomeFront’s executive director. The Lawrence Township-based nonprofit organization was counting on the funding to help pay for the salaries of the camp counselors.
”We have always had camps for our homeless kids,” Ms. Mercer said. “For the past 16 years, we have managed to find a way to serve our kids over the summer months, but this year a number of those sources are no longer available.”
”We have to have summer camp. Their parents must get to work. The children cannot be left alone,” she said, adding that the camp accommodates about 100 children. It costs $135 per week for each camper, or $1,080 for the eight-week season.
The need for HomeFront’s summer camp and summer programs continues to grow. The economy and the depleted job market have resulted in an increase in the number of people who need help, Ms. Mercer said.
Summer is especially difficult for children from homeless and at-risk families, because many children would be left hungry, isolated and disengaged without help from organizations like HomeFront, she said. The camp provides recreational, athletic and academic activities, along with two meals per day.
Brian Helmuth, the director of HomeFront’s camps, said the camps and summer programs provide opportunities for sports, fun and games. But there is also an academic component to them, he said. The children practice reading, math and science.
HomeFront is committed to providing educational activities to prevent what researchers call “summer learning loss.” Research shows that children from low-income families often lose ground in basic academic skills, such as reading, as a result of a summer of inactivity.
To help send a child to summer camp, visit www.Homefrontnj.org.