Record-High Number of Students Experience Homelessness in New York City
A Record-High 146,733 Students in New York City Public Schools Experienced Homelessness Last School Year
A new report by Advocates for Children (AFC) reveals that a record-high 146,733 students in New York City public schools experienced homelessness last school year. This marks the ninth year in a row where the number of homeless students has surpassed 100,000.
Increase in Homelessness
The analysis by AFC uses data from the state’s Education Department and shows a 23 percent increase from the prior year, the largest single-year jump in nine years of recorded data.
Where Students Experience Homelessness
The majority of students who experienced homelessness last year, 54 percent, were "doubled up" in shared housing, such as staying with family or friends. Over 60,000 students spent time living in city shelters, while about 6,900 "were living in hotels or motels, unsheltered, or otherwise lacking a regular and adequate nighttime residence."
Disparities in Homelessness
Students in some New York City neighborhoods were more likely to experience homelessness than others. In Bushwick, East Harlem, Brownsville, and the Northwest Bronx, over one in five students experienced homelessness last year.
The Highest Student Homelessness Rate
The highest student homelessness rate was in Bronx School District 9, which spans the neighborhoods of Claremont, Concourse, Highbridge, Morrisania, Morris Heights, and University. Of 39,162 students in the district, 8,450 experienced homelessness in 2023-24, accounting for 22 percent of the public school population.
Challenges Faced by Homeless Students
Students who experience homelessness "face tremendous obstacles to success in school," the report said, including being three times as likely to drop out, scoring 20 percentage points lower on English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency, and higher rates of chronic absenteeism.
Policy Changes Needed
AFC argued that policy changes are needed to address the issue of student homelessness. "Right now, districts receive no additional per-pupil funding from the State to help meet the educational needs of students in temporary housing," said Kim Sweet, executive director of AFC.
Conclusion
The record number of students experiencing homelessness in New York City is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. Policy changes, such as providing additional funding and support services, are needed to help these students succeed in school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the reason for the increase in student homelessness in New York City?
A: The reason for the increase is not specified in the report, but it is likely due to a combination of factors, including housing affordability issues and an increase in immigrant families arriving in the city.
Q: What are the challenges faced by homeless students?
A: Homeless students face tremendous obstacles to success in school, including being three times as likely to drop out, scoring 20 percentage points lower on ELA proficiency, and higher rates of chronic absenteeism.
Q: What policy changes are needed to address student homelessness?
A: Policy changes, such as providing additional funding and support services, are needed to help homeless students succeed in school.
