Homeless children are the innocent victims in the tragedy of family homelessness. Homelessness wounds children! The core of the mission of The Homeless Families Foundation is to provide stability and nurturing to these at-risk children as they prepare to re-enter and remain independent within the greater community with their families. Homeless children may be ill-prepared to start school, and once in school, may fall behind their peers academically. The Dowd Center provides an academically focused after school and full day summer program which follows the curriculum of the Columbus Public Schools and helps the children overcome their obstacles to success in school.