How Homelessness Affects Children in America

Published June 06, 2021
When we hear the word “homeless people”, the first image that comes to mind is people sleeping on parks and pavements. But unknown to many, there is one group that is most affected by the country’s homelessness crisis: children.
According to a national survey, there are now over 2.5 million homeless children in America. This means that 1 in 30 children in the country is experiencing homelessness each year. A federal report also revealed that the number of homeless students from kindergarten to 12th grade has grown by 70% over the past decade. This doesn’t include runaways and out-of-school youths.
Most of these children are from single-parent families which comprise a majority of the country’s homeless population. According to a 2018 report, over 90% of these children are staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs.
For the past several years, steps have been done to address this growing crisis of youth homelessness. But the recent explosion in housing and urban development in most cities seems to undermine these efforts. As real estate prices continue to rise, more and more children are losing their homes. This, in turn, affects their education, health and leaves lasting trauma.
Education
Homelessness statistics from the National Center for Homeless Education revealed that about 4% of children enrolled in public schools are unsheltered. While about 12% are living in shelters, transitional housing, or are awaiting foster care.
With no permanent place to stay, most homeless children struggle to go to school. They lag behind on lessons, homework, and other school activities.
Federal law mandates school districts to provide transportation for homeless children. But oftentimes, this isn’t enough to keep a child in school.
When the family moves to a different shelter across the state, it means a new school for the children. Some homeless children even reported having changed schools at least twice a year.
As the new kid in school, homeless children are often subjected to bullying. Not only that but every time a child transfers school, they lose around four to six months of academic learning. Add to this the stress of adjusting to yet another unfamiliar environment. It’s no wonder why many of them choose to skip school.
With these difficulties, it’s no wonder that only very few homeless children and youth actually make it through high school. No diploma means lesser employment opportunities. Thus, they tend to become homeless even as adults.
Health
Because they often have to skip meals, many homeless children suffer from malnutrition. As a result, they are more prone to diseases.
Data gathered by private institutions suggest that asthma is one of the most common illnesses of homeless kids. Displacement often interrupts their asthma maintenance. Staying in homeless shelters also increases their exposure to various kinds of allergens which trigger attacks.
Lack of access to sufficient and nutritious meals can take a toll on anyone. But it can be especially devastating for children. Very young children housed in shelters are found to have a high rate of iron deficiency anemia.

Experiencing hunger and homelessness at an early age also increases their risk of developmental delays. This affects them even until adulthood which puts them at a great disadvantage among other children their age.
Psychology
Most people experiencing homelessness often have to deal with mental health issues. But homelessness experience can leave an even deeper trauma for children. And it’s a known fact that childhood traumas often manifest in an adult’s behavior.
Being a constant victim of bullying and having no safe place to call their own can mess up a child’s emotional response. Bullied children turned out to be either violent or closed off to the world. Either way, they have difficulty trusting others and building relationships. Not to mention that the constant moving about keeps them from getting to know other people long enough to form even a semblance of friendship.
Most homeless children have also been victims of domestic violence. Studies suggest that these children often display signs of various behavioral problems. This can include aggression, self-disturbance, anxiety, and depression.
Substance Abuse
Homelessness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. You may think that substance abuse only concerns homeless adults but it affects homeless children and adolescents too. In fact, a study shows that children of substance abusers are more likely to become addicted to substances too.
If a homeless parent is a substance abuser, they’ll inevitably expose their children to the habit – normalizing it in their eyes. This coupled with hunger, violence, and psychological issues often push homeless youths to become substance abusers themselves.
Help Us Help The Homeless
We at Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen have been helping homeless adults and children in South Florida since 1989. Our mission is to provide them with a safe haven where they can get meals free from condemnation and discrimination. Aside from hot lunches, our guests also get a take-out bag, clothes, and hygiene kits.
You can help us help the homeless too. We accept donations in cash or in kind. You can donate through our online facility or drop off food or clothing donations at our office in Pompano Beach. Any amount will be a huge help in getting them through this trying time.
Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our 501(c)(3) non profit organization also collects and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.

About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer and SEO specialist. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources. She is the lead author for several prominent websites covering a variety of topics including law, health, nutrition, and more.
Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.