Sesame Street, which is known for having characters relatable to people we may know in real life is introducing a new puppet. Lilly’s hot pink puppet with red hair will be the first homeless character on Sesame Street. According to the USA today Lily was introduced to the series in 2011 where she explained her family did not have enough food to eat. Now, in recent clips, Lilly is back explaining that she lost her home so she stays with friends.
The storyline was created as a new initiative and part of the Sesame Street in Communities program to alleviate the stigma around homelessness. In a press release Sherrie Westin, President of Global Impact and Philanthropy said, “we want to help disrupt that cycle by comforting children, empowering them and giving them hope for the future. We want them to know that they are not alone and home is more than a house or apartment- home is where the love is.”
Together, we got this. Lily and @Elmo share a special way they show each other support and kindness. For more resources for children and families experiencing homelessness: https://t.co/v51GxooXcP pic.twitter.com/gWlPWNWC5C
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) December 12, 2018
