Imagine a child starting their school day exhausted, not because of a late-night study session but because they spent the night in a car. For tens of thousands of children, this is not just a bad day; it’s their everyday reality.

Tens of thousands of children in Pennsylvania are unhoused, which not only disrupts their education and emotional wellbeing, but also places their families in a cycle of hardships that is difficult to escape from. Only through understanding the root causes of families becoming homeless and providing them with resources can we hope to break the cycle and create brighter, safer futures for these children and their families.

Homeless children: not a rural or urban issue

Homelessness can impact anyone, at any time. Actor Jack Veal, who played Kid Loki in the “Loki” TV series on Disney+, recently detailed on his TikTok how he is currently homeless after being abused by family members.

“Hi. I’m a famous actor, I’m 17, and I’m homeless,” he said in one video, and telling his followers in another, “I have nowhere else to go, and I need help. Social services refuses to help me, despite what I’ve told them. I am desperate. I’ve been sleeping in the streets.”

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, there were 46,714 children and youth experiencing homelessness in the commonwealth from 2022 to 2023. They made up approximately 2.4% of the state’s public-school population, with 24% of enrolled students experiencing barriers to enrollment, attendance or academic success.

These numbers tell a troubling story: homelessness is not just an urban problem or a rural one — it’s a statewide crisis. Whether in Philadelphia or in Jefferson County, no part of Pennsylvania is untouched. The Policy Department of PHL in 2023 released a report that showed:

• 52 counties identified more homeless children from 2022 to 2023
• 34 counties identified more homeless children in 2022 than 2019
• 11 counties identified increased numbers in 2019, 2022 and 2023, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties

For a child experiencing homelessness, small moments many of us take for granted — like doing homework at a kitchen table or celebrating a birthday at home — are replaced with the uncertainty of shelters or temporary living arrangements. Every aspect of a child’s life is disrupted by homelessness and makes these children more likely to face developmental delays, chronic health issues, and lower academic performance. They are also at higher risk of dropping out of school, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

The impacts of child poverty

America’s Health Rankings reports that 15.2% of Pennsylvania children under age 18 live in households below the poverty threshold. While Pennsylvania ranks 26th in child poverty nationally, this places us in the middle of the pack neither leading the way in solutions nor trailing behind. However, being in the middle still means over 15% of our children live in poverty, a number that’s far too high.

Child poverty can have lifelong impacts on a child, and the longer a child lives in poverty, the more likely it becomes that they will experience poverty as an adult, according to The Center for Law and Social Policy. The center also identified reduced educational attainment and economic prospects, and worse mental and physical health in adulthood as enduring effects of childhood poverty.

Children in poverty are also more likely to experience food insecurity, lack access to quality healthcare, and struggle to keep up academically, further limiting their opportunities for a better future.

What can be done to stop child homelessness and poverty?

While the numbers might seem stark, there is still a path forward. Addressing child homelessness and poverty in Pennsylvania requires a concerted effort from policymakers, nonprofits, and communities.

We must advocate for affordable housing, equitable education, and economic opportunities for families in need. States that have invested in robust housing-first initiatives, such as Utah, have seen homelessness rates plummet. Pennsylvania could replicate similar success by increasing funding for transitional housing programs.

Teachers are often the first to notice when a student’s stability is compromised. Training to identify signs of homelessness and working with school liaisons can ensure students receive the support they need. A teacher’s ability to notice when a child is struggling is invaluable. By partnering with their school’s McKinney-Vento liaison, teachers can help to ensure students get the resources they need.

No child should face the uncertainty of homelessness. Together, as parents, teachers, and community leaders, we can take action to give every child in Pennsylvania the stability and opportunities they deserve. The path forward starts with us.

Resources for families experiencing homelessness

• Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Provides emergency housing assistance and connections to local shelters. Visit www.dhs.pa.gov or call 1-800-692-7462
• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: For veteran families, call 1-877-424-3838
• United Way of Pennsylvania: Dial 2-1-1 for assistance with housing, food, and other resources
• Coalition for the Homeless: Offers advocacy and direct support services. Visit www.coalitionforthehomeless.org
• Local School Districts: Contact your child’s school for resources under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which ensures educational stability for homeless youth

From PennLive, December 11, 2024