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Homeless Children and Families

Each night across America more than one million children have no place to call home. These families represent the largest and fastest growing group of the homeless population.

Homelessness is a devastating experience for children and their families. The increase in homeless families over the past few years has meant a dramatic rise in the number of children who are living in shelters, campgrounds and motels. The upheaval these children experience means much more than not having a home. The displacement strains virtually every aspect of family life, damaging the physical and emotional health of family members, interfering with children's education and development, and frequently resulting in the separation of family members. We must find permanent solutions to homelessness so no more children will suffer its harmful effects.

Homelessness among Children and Families - Basic Facts

- - Families with young children now account for 50% of the nation's homeless population and in the course of the year, more than 1.35 million children are homeless.
- The fastest growing homeless population is families.
- 42% of homeless children are under 5 years of age. Of this 42%, only 15% are enrolled in pre-school.
- 33% of youth who leave home indicate it was because of sexual abuse. 50% report it was due to physical abuse.
- Families, single mothers and children comprise the largest group of people who are homeless in rural areas.

Effects of Homelessness on Children

- Children and youth who are homeless often suffer both mentally and physically.
- Homeless infants are 4 times more likely to require special care at birth than other infants.
- Toddlers who are homeless usually develop at a slower pace than those who have stable homes.
- Homeless children are twice as likely to have a learning disability.
- Homeless children are three times more likely than other children to have emotional or behavioral problems.
- On average, homeless children attend an average of two different schools in a single year.
- Homeless children have: - Four times as many respiratory infections as non-homeless children.
- Five times as many stomach and diarrhea infections as non-homeless children.
- Twice as many emergency hospitalizations as non-homeless children.
- Six times as many speech and stammering problems as non-homeless children.
- Four times the rate of asthma as non-homeless children.

Sources: Committee on Temporary Shelter, Burlington, Vermont (www.cotsonline.org), "Key Data Concerning Homeless Persons in America," National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, July 2004 (www.nlchp.org), National Alliance to End Homelessness (www.endhomelessness.org), Vermont Housing Finance Agency (PDF: www.vhfa.org/documents/housing-wages-2009.pdf), National Coalition for the Homeless (www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/veterans.html)

© 2009 John W. Graham Emergency Shelter - 69 Main Street, Vergennes, VT - office 802-877-2677 - after hours 802-877-2048