Your articles are so helpful in understanding the struggles I've witnessed with families experiencing homelessness that I've gotten to know over the years. The late arrival to the "world" of trauma by those in this profession is shameful. As a former shelter director, I can include myself in that criticism.

For the past 17 years I've been filming and producing short videos to give families a chance to be seen and heard, despite their lack of housing (www.hearus.us). This has been eye-opening, for audiences consisting mainly of educators and service providers, and for me.

Trauma exists in almost every situation, with some more devastating than others. Very little help, formal or informal. So we turn these families out through our inadequate "systems" into housing and wonder why they struggle to maintain their fragile stability. In some cases, repeat "offenders" get turned away from future services.

I'm pondering what I can do to help--and I'm considering writing a book to help families (and others) see their struggles in a more compassionate way. I'd include both suggestions/observations from the parents (mostly moms) and input from enlightened professionals realistically offering general suggestions.

I know this won't save the world, but I think, properly done, it can be a helpful tool for some. Otherwise we're just tossing millions of families in this country to the lions--predators of all stripes--who recognize the vulnerability of parents, and kids, who struggle with trauma-related challenges.

I'd love to include you in this fledgling effort.