Homelessness impacting children in Wicomico County

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – There are sixty eight families struggling with homelessness that are currently staying at the shelter, and of that group, twenty eight are children.

One guest at the shelter said, “Where we were, it was horrible.”

Families who are struggling have found a safe haven here at the Salisbury Christian Shelter, including Phyllicia, who is currently staying at the shelter along with her five month old son.

“There are a lot of children that want to come in here, but cannot because there is not a lot of space.”

“To lose the spot or lose this opportunity would be very devastating.”

Anthony Dickerson is the executive director of the shelter. He does his best to provide each person with three hot meals a day and resources to better themselves, but with the growing issue of homelessness, he can only do so much.

“We turn away about thirty families a day away because homelessness in Wicomico County is increasing.”

“We are seeing families sleeping in their cars, families that are sleeping under the bridge and also families that are sleeping with relatives, so it just never stops.”

Dickerson says his organization also works to improve the mental health of each person staying at the shelter.

“A therapist that comes in and deals with our guests when our guests are dealing with mental health issues.”

Lora Godwin is a mother of five who has experienced homelessness twice. She says it has taken a toll on her children.

“My kids battled depression and anxiety. When we came here, it’s been a struggle.”

“My eight year old that battles seizures is comfortable. He has not had a seizure,” but even through these times of hardship the families have found the support they need at the Salisbury Christian Shelter.

“She is not crying every night because she is cold.”

“She is not crying because of that and she has clean clothes.”

“He received outfits, clothes and jackets and everything that he needed for Christmas.”