The Reading Connection: Literacy Development and Homeless Children

This essay highlights the work of one community-based nonprofit, The Reading Connection in Arlington, Virginia. Aware of the educational and developmental delays often experienced by homeless children, The Reading Connection facilitates positive shared literacy opportunities while families are in a shelter situation and once they have moved into permanent housing. Emphasizing the importance of oral language development and literacy-rich environments, the continuum of services provided by The Reading Connection introduces both the necessity and the richness of literacy to those families most in need.