Sesame Street introduce a character who is dealing with child homelessness

Sesame Street has been known to draw awareness to important issues over the years.

This month one of their characters, a seven year old girl called Lily, is faced with what is currently a very common problem, child homelessness. The show announced this week that it would be focusing on the homeless crisis, which affects families worldwide.

We are proud to announce new resources on @SesameCommunity around the topic of family homelessness. With activities, storybooks & more, our resources can offer help, healing & hope to families without a permanent place to stay. https://t.co/v51GxooXcP #SesameCommunity pic.twitter.com/lDngukLNfE

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) December 12, 2018

Lily, who has been a character on Sesame Street since 2011, was originally added to the cast in a bid to address the poverty and food insecurity that affects many low income families. The episode will look at what life is like for Lily and her family after they lose their home. Even in Ireland, food banks have found an increase in families availing of services with many unable to afford food after paying rent and bills. Those working on the popular children's show have said that they hope to educate the next generation on this important issue, but also to look at it from a child's perspective. Talking to CNN, Sherrie Westin said;

"I think we tend to think of homelessness as an adult issue and don't always look at it through the lens of a child, and we realize that Sesame has a unique ability to do that, to look at tough issues with the lens of a child."

Currently in Ireland over 3,000 children have been affected by homelessness in 2018.