Who We Are

Children have little or no choices in life. And, those who live in our homeless shelters and transitional housing have even fewer. But the reality is that every child deserves hope.

For years, I have dedicated my time and efforts to addressing the concerns of children in our community. After I stepped down as founder and president of the Child Abuse Prevention Society (CAPS) Board, I began to look for new ways that I could help children in the Bay Area.

My search led me to family shelters in the Bay Area. Meeting with the heads of each shelter, I learned that the children had needs at the most basic level—warm winter clothing, school supplies, the opportunity to go to summer camp, enrichment programs, and experiences that empower and inspire them.

Children of Shelters (COS) began as a result of these inspirational meetings. Comprised of a group of concerned, caring and dedicated citizens, the COS Board is dedicated to raising funds to fill the needs of children in our homeless shelters, with the ultimate goal of ending their plight. We are all volunteers. We have virtually no overhead expenses. This unique structure allows COS to direct all funds to meet the needs of the children.

In existence since 1995, Children of Shelters has achieved great things. COS has sent more than 500 children to summer camp, outfitted several hundred children with new, back-to-school clothing, provided experienced tutors for after school programs, and started an empowerment program.

But this is only the beginning. COS has the potential to grow into a powerful voice for advocating the needs of the homeless children in our community, and a devoted resource to count on in time of need.

I pray and hope for the day when no child is homeless, when there is no unmet need. Until that day, COS will continue its mission to fill those needs.

—Lois Pavlow, Founder, COS

Our Board