FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Amy Jenkins, Director of Development People Serving People 614 South 3rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415 612.277.0221 or ajenkins@peopleservingpeople.orgwww.peopleservingpeople.org

During a Bad Economic Time Homeless Children Can Keep Smiling

(Minneapolis, MN February 26, 2010) – On March 8, 2010 homeless children will get dental care at People Serving People, thanks to Children’s Dental Services coming to donate their time and expertise with free cleanings and checkups to its youngest residents.

According to the 2006 Oral Health Data Book from the Minnesota Department of Health, 51% of children in very low income families(<100% poverty level) have teeth in excellent or very good condition. From that same study, 61.9% of children in the 0-99% range of federal poverty level received preventative dental care in the last 12 months.

Also, a report by the Pew Center on the States found, North Dakota and Minnesota were among the two-thirds of states failing to ensure that disadvantaged children get the dental health care they need.

Communities Answer to Gap in Dental Care for Homeless ChildrenWith the poor economy, dental health plays a large role in children’s overall health and well being without depending on insurance, state care or institutional support. When CDS last visited, Lanika (age 14) received a check-up and cleaning along with her other siblings. Her mom Sanika said “It’s great! All my kids could get in to see the dentist at one time. And we got a referral because my son needs braces.”

Children’s Dental Services is one of over twenty collaborative partners of People Serving People all working together to help homeless children to thrive.

About Children’s Dental Services (www.childrensdentalservices.org): Children’s Dental Services started in 1919. They dedicated themselves to improving the oral health of children from families with low incomes by providing accessible treatment and education to children from birth to 18 years of age and pregnant women. The CDS provides dental care in over 100 clinical locations which includes 50 sites in the Twin Cities metro area and 54 mobile sites around greater Minnesota.

About People Serving People (www.peopleservingpeople.org):People Serving People (PSP) is the largest and most comprehensive, family-focused shelter in Minnesota. PSP provides for the immediate needs of families in crisis and offers long-term stability support. The face of homelessness today is the face of a child. On an average night, PSP provides housing for more than 350 guests, two-thirds of which are under age 18. At-risk families with children experience the most dramatic effects in the midst of an economic crisis. Investing in families now curbs long-term costs to the community tomorrow. PSP is a 501 (c) 3 and is supported through corporate sponsorships, community partnerships, grants and gifts from individual donors. We need your help to help families find their way home.

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