Another Day in Paradise

Did you see that piece that 60 Minutes did on homeless kids in Seminole County? (If you didn’t, click the link above for the video.) It did a great job of telling the story of kids and their families who live in cars and of showcasing Families in Transition, an organization that works with homeless students to make sure they get their education – and have a childhood. Updates here and here.

Our December-January issue of Lake Mary Health and Wellness also looks at the issue of homelessness here in Seminole County. We’re not talking bums on park benches. You can’t just look at someone and say with any certainty, “Oh, he’s homeless.” Or, “She lives in her car.”

People without a space to call their own are in line with you at Walmart. Their kids go to school with your kids. And the problem is growing, especially here in Florida, home – ironically speaking – to one-third of the homeless families in the nation.

Our fantastic writer, Kristin Harmel, introduces us a family that lives in a budget motel in Sanford.

Kristin also spoke in-depth with Beth Davalos of Families in Transition. FIT works with families of more than 1,200 homeless kids – 30 percent more than this time last year.

Read this story. It’s an eye-opener. The magazine will be out in a couple of days and posted online as well -- check our website for updates.