It’s back-to-school season, a time full of excitement and new beginnings for many children. But for those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and housing insecurity, this season is filled with uncertainty. Think about it: how can a child focus on learning when they are worried about where they’ll sleep that night or dealing with a home environment that’s anything but stable? Let’s take a look at the impact of housing insecurity on a child’s education.
In Pennsylvania alone, an estimated 40,003 children and youth experienced homelessness during the 2021-2022 school year, a staggering number that only increases drastically on a national scale.
For each of those children, homelessness has a direct impact on their education. Research highlights just how severe this impact can be:
- Homeless children are 87% more likely to drop out of school.
- They are three times more likely to be placed in special education.
- 52% of students experiencing homelessness were chronically absent in 2021-2022.
These statistics show that for children living in homelessness, stability is a rare commodity. Families often move from place to place—staying with relatives, friends, or in shelters—which means constant school changes, new teachers, and endless disruption. With every transition comes more stress, more uncertainty, and less opportunity to learn.
When both parents and children are in survival mode, education becomes a low priority. Even when children are in school, they may not have the emotional or material resources to thrive.
The stress of homelessness doesn’t just disrupt learning. Some studies show that if young children are exposed to toxic amounts of stress, the impact of homelessness can even cause developmental delays. Research suggests that of children facing homelessness under the age of four, 50 percent have developmental delays, three to four times higher than children who have stable homes.
That’s why at Good Sam, we are so passionate about seeing these kids have brighter futures. By supporting families who otherwise would end up homeless, we are in turn setting up both parents and their children for long-term stability.
We currently serve over 100 children and their families in our program daily and our goal is always to strive for stability so that no child or their parents face the question of where they will spend the night.
