November 2, 2026
For children experiencing homelessness, CEF® offers consistent community, care, and hope
With ministries spanning schools, neighborhoods, and digital platforms, CEF is committed to reaching children wherever they are
ST. LOUIS — A record 1.55 million students in U.S. public schools experienced homelessness during the 2023-24 school year, a 28.5% increase over two years. Behind that number are children whose daily lives can be upended by frequent moves that disrupt not only their education but the friendships, routines, and connections that help them feel secure.
As November marks National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Child Evangelism Fellowship® (CEF®) is emphasizing its commitment to give children opportunities to experience consistent care, build meaningful relationships, and discover the hope found in Jesus, regardless of their circumstances.
“For children facing uncertainty, knowing that someone remembers their name, welcomes them, and genuinely cares about them makes a meaningful difference,” said Fred Pry, vice president of administration for CEF. “We want every child we reach to feel valued and loved, and to discover that above all, God loves them wherever they are.”
For children experiencing homelessness, school can offer a stable environment in an otherwise unstable life. The CEF after-school program, Good News Club®, builds on that familiar setting, offering young people a place to make friends, enjoy activities with peers, and connect with caring adults. Led by trained staff and volunteers, the clubs engage children through Bible lessons, songs, and games, while giving them the crucial opportunity to hear the Gospel.
Yet CEF recognizes that a child’s circumstances can affect when, where, and how they can participate in this program. Its year-round outreach strategy, outlined in Highways to Reach 100 Million Children, employs a variety of other opportunities to share the Gospel with children of all ages, circumstances, and in different locations.
During school breaks, 5-Day Club® offers exciting activities including Bible lessons, missionary stories, songs, and Scripture memory taught by teens and young adults. Seasonal events include Christmas Party Club®, a party that shares the biblical account of Jesus’ birth and encourages children to continue learning by joining a local Good News Club.
For older children, Junior Youth Challenge® (JYC™) provides opportunities for teens to explore what the Bible teaches and how to apply its truths to everyday decisions and challenges they face at this critical stage of life.
A vital part of the ministry’s outreach strategy is equipping volunteers and young people to effectively share the Gospel. Through Christian Youth In Action® (CYIA™), teenagers receive training to teach summer 5-Day Club programs, gaining practical experience in presenting biblical lessons, engaging, and teaching children.
CEF is also committed to reaching young people beyond in-person settings. Through the U-Nite® platform and Digital Ministries, children with access to digital resources can explore Bible-centered content wherever they are. In addition, printed literature from CEF provides Gospel-centered materials to children around the world, with resources published in 93 languages.
“No matter where children live or what challenges they face, we want to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their lives,” Pry said. “That commitment compels us to share God’s love through every available avenue. We seek to meet children where they are, build relationships that reflect His love, and help them know they are never beyond His reach.”
Child Evangelism Fellowship® (CEF®), founded in 1937, has been establishing Good News Club® ministries in countries around the world for decades.
In 2025, more than 34 million children worldwide were impacted by the Good News through CEF ministries.
For more CEF news, see the ministry’s latest edition of the online magazine Impact™.
CEF is an international, nonprofit, Christian ministry that has been dedicated to seeing every child reached with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, discipled and established in a local church since 1937. CEF is located in all 50 American states and in most countries around the world, with over 3,800 paid staff and tens of thousands of volunteers serving around the world.
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To interview a representative from Child Evangelism Fellowship, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, or Daniel Moyer, ext. 104.
