VERO BEACH — Lauren Chapin, formerly known to millions of households as Kathy “Kitten” Anderson from the hit television show “Father Knows Best,” is yet another illustration that homelessness can happen to anyone. Chapin was the inspirational guest speaker at the Homeless Family Center annual Spring Luncheon, held Wednesday afternoon at the Bent Pine Country Club.
This is the third year that Rosemary Hartmann and Pat Dunsmore co-chaired the event and thanks to a host of generous sponsors, all proceeds from luncheon ticket sales would benefit the Center.
“I think this is the largest group we’ve had,” said Dunsmore, as the room began to fill with approximately 150 supporters. With pops of color from cheerful centerpieces of bright pink tulips and vibrant spring flowers, donated Laura Larsen of Florida Bloomers, the elegantly simple décor very nearly matched that of the guests’ jewel-toned outfits.
“I think the Homeless Family Center is doing a great job in the community; fulfilling a niche not many others are doing, added Dunsmore. “They have a huge waiting list.”
After thanking all who had a hand in the successful luncheon, Lorne Coyle, HFC executive director said, “Employment is the key to self-sufficiency.”
He introduced one of their success stories, Tanya Feick and her adorable 8-month old son Tanner saying, “Tania will graduate in May with a certificate in phlebotomy. We’re proud of her and can’t wait till she leaves us – but we will be sad to see her go.”
Tanner, who sat good-as-gold throughout the afternoon, charming all he met with big blue eyes and a sweet gummy grin, is one of 26 children under the age of 5 who reside at the center.
“I love the fact that my office is often overrun by children,” said Coyle. “It just makes my day.”
Explaining that it costs $31 per day to house one person at the center, with only $4 of that coming from taxpayers, he noted that one night in jail is $64, he added, “We’re a bargain.”
Lauren Chapin entertained with stories of life as an Emmy award winning actress, working with Robert Young, who became analogous to a real father, Jane Wyeth, “the classiest woman I’d ever met,” and guest stars such as Greer Garson, who gave her pencils and notepads to record memorable events in her life.
Chapin also spoke about homelessness, sharing, “Believe it or not, I was once homeless”
The single mother of two had come to Florida to start life anew, but after giving up her previous residence, learned that her new apartment wasn’t available. With no place else to go, she and her daughter moved their belongings, along with three cats and a dog, into a friend’s garage. Chapin earned her keep by cleaning and cooking for the family for the next four months.
“Humbling? Yes it was,” admitted Chapin. “But it was a time of learning and growing together.”
In explaining how she found herself in that position, Chapin related that in the 1950s children were considered “property,” so all the money she earned was turned over to her mother – who proceeded to spend every bit of it. She and others were instrumental in overturning antiquated and unjust laws to protect the interests and earnings of future child actors.
Today Chapin, an ordained Christian evangelist, travels around the country sharing her message of hope.
“Anybody can become homeless; it is not something we should shun. We should give them a hand up. Homelessness is not helplessness.”
The Homeless Family Center provides emergency and transitional shelter for homeless families, and services such as children’s programs, employment training, and mental health counseling, with a goal of self-sufficiency through education, living wages, and permanent housing. They offer “Wednesday Walk” tours of the facility each Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m.