Psychology 101 teaches about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a simple way to understand our psychological and physical needs and what happens when these needs are unmet. The theory is that as more basic needs like food, water, and adequate shelter are not available, it becomes more and more difficult for the person to "meet higher level growth needs" like a sense of physical safety, feelings of love, self-esteem, and belonging (McLeod, Ph.D., 2007). Children, specifically, are at a higher risk of adverse consequences when they do not have the confidence that comes from adequate shelter. These consequences vary based on the child; some children demonstrate aggressive and poor external behavior, and others demonstrate poor internal functioning such as depression and anxiety (Schupmann, 2017). Regardless of the specific child's tendencies, there is no reason any child should suffer this way, especially when there is an alternative.

As adults raising the next generation of potential world changers, we are responsible for setting them up for success. Allowing children to sleep in dangerous and unstable conditions is neglecting this responsibility.  Kauri Foundation provides an alternative! We offer homes, not just temporary transitional shelters, but places where children can thrive and grow into the healthy and prosperous adults that they were created to be.

References

Mcleod, S. (2007). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Simply Psychology. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

Schupmann, W. (2017, October 21). How housing quality affects child mental health. Housing Matters. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://housingmatters.urban.org/articles/how-housing-quality-affects-child-mental-health