How to Talk to Your Kids About Homelessness With Compassion and Honesty
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As parents, we’ve all experienced that moment — you’re walking down the street with your child when they notice someone holding a sign or sleeping on a bench. Then comes the big question:
“Why doesn’t that person have a home?”
It’s a powerful opportunity — and a challenging one. How do you explain something as complex and emotional as homelessness to a child? How do you respond in a way that encourages empathy instead of fear or judgment?
At The Salvation Army, we believe in equipping families not only with shelter and support, but with the tools to build compassion and understanding at home. Here's how to approach this important conversation with your child, based on their age and emotional development.
Why It’s Important to Talk About Homelessness
Children are naturally observant and deeply curious. When they see someone living outside, their questions are often honest and heartfelt — and they’re listening closely to your answers.
Talking about homelessness helps:
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Foster empathy and compassion at an early age
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Break down stereotypes and assumptions
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Teach that everyone deserves dignity, no matter their circumstances
With more than 580,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in the U.S. — including thousands of families and children — these are not faraway issues. They’re right in our communities.
How to Talk to Kids About Homelessness — by Age
Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2–5): Keep it Simple and Kind
“Some people don’t have a house right now. They might be cold or hungry, and we can help them.”
Avoid frightening details. Emphasize kindness and the idea that we all deserve a safe place to live.
Elementary School Children (Ages 6–10): Expand on the Why
Help them understand:
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People might lose their homes because of job loss, illness, or family challenges
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Being homeless doesn’t mean someone is "bad" or "lazy" — it means they’re going through something really hard
Tweens and Teens (Ages 11+): Invite Dialogue and Critical Thinking
Ask open-ended questions:
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What do you think might cause someone to become homeless?
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Have you seen anything at school or online about this?
Encourage action: volunteering, advocacy, or learning more through books and news.
Emphasize Compassion Over Judgment
Avoid framing homelessness as the result of “bad choices.” Focus on circumstances, systemic barriers, and human dignity.
Helpful phrases:
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We don’t always know someone’s whole story.
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Everyone deserves help and hope.
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Being kind doesn’t mean we have to solve everything — it just means we care.
Answering Tough Questions Kids Might Ask
Why don’t they just get a job?
That’s a good question. Sometimes people want to work but don’t have a phone, ID, or safe place to sleep — which makes it really hard to get hired.
Where do they sleep?
Some people stay in shelters like the ones run by The Salvation Army. Others may sleep outside or in cars. That’s why places that offer help are so important.
Are they dangerous?
Most people who are homeless are not dangerous. They’re just people who are having a hard time. We always stay safe, but we also try to be kind and respectful.
Can we help them?
Yes, we can! There are many ways to help — by donating, volunteering, or supporting groups like The Salvation Army.
Ways Your Family Can Help
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Donate clothing, food, or toys to your local shelter
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Volunteer together — serve meals, pack hygiene kits, or write kind notes
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Fundraise as a family and let your child help choose how to give
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Talk about giving regularly — even small acts of kindness matter
Find your local Salvation Army center to see how your family can support programs like:
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Pathway of Hope – supporting families with long-term stability
Resources for Parents and Families
Books for Kids
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A Shelter in Our Car by Monica Gunning
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Still a Family by Brenda Reeves Sturgis
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Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
Parent Tools
Final Thoughts: Raising Compassionate Kids in a Complicated World
You don’t need all the perfect answers — just a willingness to have the conversation. When your child sees someone who is homeless, help them see the human being behind the situation.
Because when children learn to see others with kindness and compassion, they grow into adults who make the world better.
And that’s something we can all believe in.