Since 2008, the number of homeless students identified by public schools each year across the nation has increased by more than 100%, from approximately 680,000 to 1,384,000 students in 2019-20. (National School Board Association and and National Center for Education Statistics data/websites).
According to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, homeless students are defined as students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, that includes students living in shared housing, hotels or motels, shelters, and unsheltered places (such as cars, parks, and abandoned buildings).
As a primary piece of federal legislation related to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness, the Act authorizes the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program. In 2015, the Act was reauthorized by Title IX, Part A, of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
We are proud to be able to do our very tiny bit by using data–both quantitative and qualitative to tell the stories of opportunity, hope, and resilience–by evaluating the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance grant work at Maryland’s Charles County Public Schools.
For state data profiles and quick facts on homeless students, check out: National Center for Homeless Education’s website.
