Report Reveals Alarming Number of Infants & Toddlers Experiencing Homelessness in the U.S.

Cloud PRWire

–News Direct–

Washington, DC, March 20, 2024 | Today, national non-profit SchoolHouse Connection releases "Infant and Toddler Homelessness Across 50 States: 2021-2022," the most comprehensive analysis to date of homelessness among the nation's youngest children. This report offers the first-ever state-by-state collection of data on infant and toddler homelessness and provides detailed recommendations for policymakers and communities alike.

For the first time, we are able to shine a light on the extent of homelessness among infants and toddlers in all 50 states, as well as the gaps in their access to early childhood development programs," said Barbara Duffield, Executive Director of SchoolHouse Connection. "We urge practitioners and policymakers alike to dig into these data and take action, so that we can prevent long-term harm and interrupt cycles of homelessness that may start at the very beginning of life.

Drawing on an extensive analysis of federal and other available data, the report estimates that nearly 365,000 infants and toddlers experienced homelessness during the 2021-2022 program year across the United States. Alarmingly, the report found that only 11% of these children were enrolled in early childhood development programs, with enrollment rates varying significantly by state.

"Early childhood development programs offer a wide range of support for infants, toddlers, and families who are homeless, from essential supplies like diapers and hygiene products, to services that counter the impact of homelessness on child development," said Erin Patterson, Director of Education Initiatives of SchoolHouse Connection. "These programs also facilitate vital connections to both short- and long-term housing solutions. We must redouble our efforts to ensure that every expectant parent, infant, and toddler experiencing homelessness receives access to these essential services."

The report concludes with a call to action, offering targeted recommendations for state and federal policymakers to increase the identification of homeless families with infants and toddlers and to improve their access to critical early childhood development services and housing supports. The report also includes practical strategies for early childhood development programs that can be implemented immediately.

A link to the report, including methodology, can be found here.

About SchoolHouse Connection

SchoolHouse Connection is a national non-profit organization working to overcome homelessness through education. We provide strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with schools, early childhood programs, institutions of higher education, service providers, families, and youth. Our vision is that children and youth experiencing homelessness have full access to quality learning, birth through higher education, so they will never be homeless as adults, and the next generation will never be homeless. To learn more, please visit schoolhouseconnection.org.