It Can Happen to Anyone

Homelessness

One in every 45
children in the U.S. is
homeless each year.

In

young
children, stress
resulting from
major trauma
such as
extreme
poverty and
homelessness,
can weaken the
developing
brain and can
lead to lifelong
problems.

Homelessness Statistics
More

than 11 percent of all American

families are living below the poverty
line.
As poverty increases so does
homelessness, making up 41 percent
of the homeless population in
America.
1.35 million children are homeless in
America.

Homelessness (Federally )
Defined
Someone

who lacks a fixed, regular, and

adequate nighttime residence: Includes
Sharing the housing of others due to
loss of housing or economic hardship.
Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks,
camping grounds due to lack of
adequate alternative accommodations
Living in emergency shelters
Abandoned in hospitals

What does a
homeless family
look like?

There is no
single
picture of
homelessne
ss. It can
happen to
ANYONE!

What does a homeless family

look like?
A

homeless family is typically headed by a single

mother, usually in her late twenties, with two or three
young children under the age of five.
Many homeless families have experienced trauma
prior to becoming homeless such as multiple moves,
witnessing domestic violence and substance abuse,
and living with chronic stress. More than 90 percent
of sheltered and low-income mothers have
experienced physical and sexual assault over their
lifespan.
Homelessness affects people of all geographic areas,
ages, occupations, and ethnicities, but occurs
disproportionately among people of color.

Causes of Homelessness
Poverty
Lack of affordable housing
Domestic violence
Teen pregnancy
Unaccompanied youth
Natural disaster
Lose of income
Illness

Effects on Children
Homeless

children often experience chronic stress and

trauma from frequent moves; inconsistent relationships;
lack of places to play; and witnessing domestic violence
and substance abuse. This stress and trauma is
emotionally and cognitively damaging to them.
Homeless children are four times more likely to have
developmental delays
Homeless children are two times as likely to have
learning disabilities
Homeless children are three times as likely to have
emotional and behavioral problems
Homeless children are eight times more likely to be
asked to repeat a grade

Common Signs of
Homelessness in
Children
Lack of
continuity of
education
Poor
health/nutrition
Transportation
and attendance
problems
Poor hygiene
Lack of personal
space after
school
Social and
behavior
concerns

Homeless Children and

Families have Rights!
The

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

ensures students have:
The right to immediate enrollment; a student
doesnt need documents like academic record,
immunization records or proof of residency.
The right to continue attending their school of
origin.
The right to transportation.
The right to participate in the same programs
and activities as other students.
Receive free school lunch/breakfast

Resources Available for Families

Every

school district has a local

liaison for homeless families. Their
role supports the needs of the
homeless student population and
ensures the mandated services to
facilitate the students attendance
and access to appropriate education.
Go to http://profiles.doe.mass.edu to
find your local Massachusetts liaison.

Other Resourses
National

Center for Homeless Education

http:www.serve.org/nche
National Association for the Education of
Homeless Children and Youth
http://www.naehcy/org
National Law Center on Homelessness and
Poverty: http://www.nichp.org
U.S. Department of Education, Education for
Homeless Children and Youths Program:
http://www.edu.edu.gov/programs/homeless/i
ndex.html

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