Each school year from 2001-2005 schools and helping agencies in Hall County have counted more than 2,000 children
and teens in Hall County who were homeless for all or part of that school year. Homeless children and youth are 70% more likely
to be involved in gangs or other criminal activity than young people from stable homes. They also have a much higher risk
of dropping out of school and becoming homeless unwed parents. L.A.M.P. reaches teens, children, and families when everyone
else seems to have given up on them and helps them build productive lives.
OLIVIA knows that first hand. She began living on the street when she was 15. 15 year olds cannot
get a job and support themselves. They do whatever they have to do to live: stealing, sex, selling drugs, joining a gang,
whatever. It was a big decision for Olivia to come to L.A.M.P. She knew it meant no drugs, no boy friends, no
gang involvement. She also knew it meant an opportunity to be safe and to build a life. At the end of the school year
she had an A average and near perfect attendance for that semester, and received an award as most improved student.
She won a prestigious national scholarship. Olivia went on to college and recently married. In 2005 Olivia
was included on the NE GA Honor Roll of Caring for her work as a big sister and shining example at L.A.M.P. and her help to
other helping ministries.
ERIC grew up homeless
because his dad had a lot of problems with alcohol and other things. He didn't really remember his mother much. “Many
nights I looked for a piece of plastic to cover up my father and myself. Sometimes I could find nothing.” Eric stopped
going to school sometime between 12 and 14 and became a violent gang member. He also became one of the first "L.A.M.P. Kids".
He still had a lot of problems with hurts, violence, and rejection in his heart. Eric stayed at L.A.M.P. more than 2 years.
Today Eric and his dad both work good jobs and Eric is becoming an evangelist sharing his testimony of how Jesus changed their
lives
Brittany* and her
grandmother were staying in a car when a church secretary found them. Her mama was in jail. Brittany was 7. She needed
to be in school. Her grandmother thought she had to have a home address to enroll. She did not know all children have a right
to go to school no matter where they sleep at night. Today they have their own place and her grandma has a good job.
Maria* ran
away. The missing poster shows desperately thin 12 year old with eyes so sad. There was abuse, violence, fear, desperation.
There was a man twice her age. Juvenile court sent her to live at L.A.M.P. Her only possession was a pacifier
that she sucked when she was stressed. That was most of the time. She would not look up or meet our eyes. In 18 months
there was a great change, her eyes sparkled and her sense of humor was a wonder. She was becoming a beautiful young
lady. But she still cried all night some nights especially if her mother came and told her she is worthless or it will
be her fault if she did not come home and her little sister was abused instead. This little sister later came to
stay at L.A.M.P. too.
* These are the stories of real children and teens. The names of younger
children have been changed to protect privacy. Names of older program graduates are used with their permission and blessing.
