According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, as many as 1.6 million children are homeless sometime during the year. That means they are living in shelters, motels, abandoned buildings, their cars, doubled-up with other families in apartments or houses, or they are on the streets.
How Do Children Become Homeless?
There are many reasons for homelessness among children. Poverty and the lack of affordable housing are the two central reasons, but domestic violence, the challenge of raising children alone, and a decrease in government support are also factors (National Child Traumatic Stress Network). With unemployment figures rising, the number of people losing their homes could also increase.
Homeless Children and Health
For children without a permanent residence, there are other issues that affect them. Physical and mental health problems also persist. Homeless children are in poor health twice as often as children with homes. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, they have higher rates of ailments like asthma, ear infections, and stomach problems. They also have three times the rate of emotional and behavioral problems. In fact, many of these children constantly worry about where they will live or sleep, and whether or not something bad will happen to their family.
Homeless Children and School
When families are faced with issues like where they are going to stay or what they are going to eat, their child's education isn't always at the top of the list of things to worry about. The U.S. Department of Education reports that in 2004, 87% of homeless youth were enrolled in school, but only 77% of them attended on a regular basis. Issues like transportation and access to previous school records are two of the obstacles. Homeless students also don't have access to school supplies and clothing. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network says even when kids do make it to school, they are still twice as likely to repeat a grade.
Other Facts on Homeless Children
- Families make up 40% of the homeless population.
- On any given day in the United States, about 200,000 children are without homes.
- The number of homeless families has increased in the past two years.
- Families with children are among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. (Source: National Coalition for the Homeless)
How to Help Homeless Children
- The first place to start to help homeless children is the local homeless shelter. Shelter directors will be able to provide a list of needs for families living there.
- Consider volunteer opportunities at the shelter as well. For example, read to the children at the shelter.
- Another option on a local level is a food drive to benefit a food pantry. Many families depend on these agencies for food.
- Collect school supplies and donate directly to a school in your area or contact the school district's homeless education department for directions on where to drop off the supplies.
- Find a local organization or charity that works with homeless children and make a cash donation.
- Spread the word. Let others know the magnitude of youth homelessness.
Children should not have to be concerned about where they are going to put their head for the night or where their next meal will come from. The should be out enjoying their youth instead of becoming the new face of homelessness.
