One Million U.S. Students Homeless, New Data Show

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- For the first time in history, public schools reported more than one million homeless children and youth, according to data released today by the U.S. Department of Education.

The 1,065,794 homeless students enrolled by U.S. preschools and K-12 schools in the 2010-2011 school year is the highest number on record, and a 13 percent increase over the 2009-2010 school year. Furthermore, this total underestimates the number of homeless children, because it does not include homeless infants and toddlers, young children who are not enrolled in public preschool programs, and homeless children and youth who were not identified by school officials.

Forty-four states reported school year-to-year increases in the number of homeless students, with 15 states reporting increases of 20 percent or more. States with the largest increases in the numbers of homeless students include Kentucky (47 percent), Michigan (38 percent), Mississippi (35 percent), Utah (47 percent), and West Virginia (38 percent). In Michigan, the number of homeless children enrolled in public schools has increased 315 percent between 2008 and 2011.

Not all of the children included in the data released today are recognized as "homeless" by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As a result, homeless children are eligible for educational assistance through local schools, but not help from HUD. Congress is considering legislation - the Homeless Children and Youth Act (H.R. 32), sponsored by Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL) - that makes all homeless children identified by public schools eligible for HUD homeless assistance.

The data show the troubling depth of America's housing crisis.  "The severe lack of affordable housing for families has yet to be addressed, and over one million children are paying the price," said Maria Foscarinis, executive director of the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty.  "Everyone has a human right to safe, decent, affordable housing.  And until we make that right a reality for all Americans, the number of homeless students will continue rising."

To read the full press release, click here.