Anna Lou Dehavenon facts for kids

Anna Lou Dehavenon (born November 24, 1926 – died February 28, 2012) was an important American anthropologist. An anthropologist is a scientist who studies human societies and cultures. Anna Lou Dehavenon focused on people living in cities, especially those facing challenges like hunger and homelessness.

Early Life and Education

Anna Lou Dehavenon was born in Bellingham, Washington. Her birth name was Rebecca Ann Lou Melson. When she was young, she studied piano and was a student of Sergei Tarnowsky, a famous piano teacher. Later, she decided to study anthropology. She earned her doctorate degree in anthropology in 1978 from Columbia University. After her studies, she taught at places like Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Fighting Hunger and Homelessness

Anna Lou Dehavenon spent much of her career helping people in need. She created yearly studies about hunger for a group called the East Harlem Interfaith Welfare Committee. She also started a special project called the Action Research Project on Hunger.

Her research made a big difference. In 1979, her work helped lead to an important decision in New York City. This decision said that people have a right to a safe place to stay, also known as a "right to shelter."

She wrote many reports and books about hunger and homelessness. One important report from 1985 was called The Tyranny of Indifference. This report helped with a legal case known as the Yvonne McCain case, which was also about helping homeless families. Her writings often showed how difficult life was for families without homes or enough food.

Expert Witness and Awards

In the 1980s and 1990s, Anna Lou Dehavenon often worked as an expert witness. This meant she shared her knowledge in court cases for groups like the Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless. These groups work to protect the rights of people who are poor or homeless. In 1990, the Community Service Society gave her their highest award for her important work.

Personal Life

Anna Lou Dehavenon was married to a talented pianist named William Kapell. Sadly, he died in 1953. She later married Gaston T. de Havenon. She shared that her own experience of suddenly becoming a single mother with no income after Kapell's death helped her understand the struggles of others. This experience encouraged her to work on issues like homelessness. After William Kapell's death, she also helped publish his diaries and release new recordings of his music.

Later Years

Anna Lou Dehavenon passed away in 2012 in Greenport, Suffolk County, New York. Her work continues to be important for understanding and helping people affected by hunger and homelessness.