HCEF's Mission

To serve as a voice for homeless children in Allegheny County and to ensure that they are afforded equal access to the same educational opportunities and experiences as their peers.

HCEF Highlights
  • A 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit charity established in 1999
  • Supports the educational advancement of the 602 children currently residing in Allegheny County's emergency or transitional shelters
  • Provides educational opportunities and experiences for children and youth in 16 of Allegheny County's homeless shelters through an extensive Resource Center with a professionally-selected collection of books, maps, globes and educational DVDs
  • Established Learning Centers in 9 shelters with quiet study space, computers, web-based software, art materials and a wide array of educational puzzles and games
  • In 2007, Learning and Resource Centers reported 20,000 uses by staff, parents and children
  • Other educational outreach programs include "Tools for School", which filled over 3,000 backpacks for homeless children, and a one-week summer camp "Customized Accelerated Program for Education" (CAPE), which engaged 250 children in accelerated academic activities
  • Recent awards include the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh's Good Government Award, the Sisters Place's Community Partner Award and the Amen Corner's David L. Lawrence Public Service Award
  • 2008 program goals include Diversifying educational programs to focus on academic achievement, establishing data-driven project evaluations from 100% of the shelters serving children K-12 and developing education-based training and support in the Learning Centers

HCEF's Involvement

HCEF pursues it's mission by (1) leveraging community and government resources to serve the needs of homeless children, most dramatically through the establishment of Learning Centers and Libraries in area shelters; (2) raising money through individual contributions to fund innovative educational practices in the shelters; and (3) advocating for systemic reform at the national, state, and local levels.

HCEF's Vision

That all children and youth living in residential shelter facilities receive the necessary materials, guidance, and support that will help them keep up in school and make the most of their education – providing hope for a better future for them and for the community.

Shelters Served
  • Open Arms
  • Salvation Army Family Crisis Center
  • Three Rivers Youth - The Hub
  • Womanspace East, Inc.
  • Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
  • HEARTH
  • Sisters Place
  • Womansplace
  • YWCA Bridge Housing
  • New Beginnings
  • San Kofa House
  • Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Hospitality Network
  • Alle-Kiski Hope Center
  • Bridge to Independence
  • Crisis Center North
  • Healthy Start House

Need More?

For more information about the Homeless Children's Education Fund of Allegheny County or Bhangra in the Burgh's philanthropic efforts, please contact info@bhangraintheburgh.com or visit www.homelessfund.org. Thank you for giving back!