It has been said countless times: necessity is the mother of invention. No one understands this truth better than providers of services for mothers and children who are challenged by homelessness.

One HCEF partner agency director was written to us: "Thanks so much for your support. With all the transition in our world right now, our expenses have really increased. Your support in this area of our families' lives is truly a blessing. Without your help we would never be able to provide this type of experience for the women and children in our program!"

It is in this spirit that HCEF provides Mini-Grants for Educational Enrichment - monetary grants that address the educational needs of the children our partner housing agencies serve.

• On average, 500 children and 150 youth are impacted by HCEF Mini-Grants each year.
  
• 4,000 children and youth have been impacted by HCEF Mini-Grants since 2004.
  
• On average, 150 children and 70 parents participate in HCEF-funded field trips each year.

Since its inception, the Board of Trustees of the Homeless Children's Education Fund has been aggressively growing an Endowment Fund. This fund finances educational enrichment opportunities for children residing in Allegheny County's homeless centers – opportunities that point them toward a brighter future.

Each summer, agency staff members are invited to submit proposals for Mini-Grants that will help provide sound educational programming and materials specific to the children they serve during the coming school year and beyond.

One agency arranged for a visit by the Pittsburgh Zoo's Zoomobile. A highlight of the visit was having an opportunity to be "up close" with a live iguana.

2012-2013 Round XI Mini-Grants of up to $2000 each were awarded to seventeen Pittsburgh and Allegheny County family housing providers. An estimated 650 children and youth and 250 parents will be impacted during this grant period.

(Mini-Grant Awards Ceremony photos can be found here!)

• Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center
  Just Ducky Tour, Family Fitness with Nintendo Wii, Zoomobile, Aviary Outreach Programs
  
  
• Auberle
  Hands-on Science Learning, Field Trips to Carnegie Science Center & Aviary
  
  
• Bridge to Independence
  Child-Friendly Furniture & Learning Center Enhancements
  
  
• East End Cooperative Ministry – FAITH Housing
  Back-to-School Family Retreat and Monthly Life Skills Classes
  
  
• Familylinks
  StorySwap Professional Storytellers
  
  
• Family Promise
  Family Fitness and Together Time with Nintendo Wii
  
  
• Healthy Start House
  Family Gardening Project and Family Fitness with Nintendo Wii
  
  
• HEARTH
  Afterschool Enrichment & Learning Center Enhancements
  
  
• Light of Life
  Afterschool Enrichment, Art Therapy, Family Strengthening Activities, Kids Reward Zone
  
  
• Naomi’s Place
  Children’s Learning-N-Play Center, Tutoring Program
  
  
• Salvation Army Family Caring Center
  Learning Center Resources, Kiln’N Time, Just Ducky Tour, Kiski Junction Railroad Museum & more
  
  
• Sisters Place
  Zoomobile and Family Outing at Pittsburgh Zoo
  
  
• Sojourner House & Sojourner House MOMS
  Zoomobile, Children’s Hospital, Aviary, Children’s Museum, Family Fitness with Nintendo Wii
  
  
• Womanspace East
  Carnegie Museum, PCCR, Pittsburgh Glass Center, Venture Outdoors & more
  
  
• Womansplace
  Children’s Museum, Early Learning Resources
  
  
• Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
  African Drumming & Dance, Carnegie Science Center On-the-Road, Just Ducky & more