Hard times generation: how you can help

"60 Minutes" has had an overwhelming response to our Sunday, March 6, 2011, story "Hard Times Generation," in which Scott Pelley interviewed families struggling with homelessness in Seminole County, Florida.

Pelley also spoke with many homeless children about their lives, and he revealed this troubling statistic: 25 percent of American children now live in poverty.

Many viewers want to know how they can help. In Seminole County, Beth Davalos runs an organization in the public school called "Families in Transition Program." It's federally funded, and money donated is used to help students and families with rent, school supplies, food, and clothing. Click here to learn more.

To learn more about laws that protect homeless children and volunteering opportunities, you can visit The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth.

Also, Feeding America can guide you to your local food bank and pantry.

As we found out in reporting and telling this story, the rise of homelessness among children is not isolated to Seminole County.

To help in your own community, contact a local charity, food bank, religious, or relief organization.

- Nicole Young, co-producer