What Is Family Homelessness? (The Problem)
Every year, hundreds of thousands of American families become homeless, including more than 1.6 million children. These children are hidden from our view, but they are living in shelters, cars, and campgrounds. They are young and scared, and their parents and families are frustrated and desperate.
Family homelessness is caused by the combined effects of lack of affordable housing, extreme poverty, decreasing government supports, changing demographics of the family, the challenges of raising children alone, domestic violence, and fractured social supports. As the gap between housing costs and income continues to widen and housing foreclosures increase, more and more families are at risk of homelessness. For extremely poor families and those with vulnerabilities or little safety net, even a seemingly minor event can trigger a catastrophic outcome and catapult a family onto the streets.
After years of research and program development, we know how to help homeless children and families. Many states and local communities have detailed plans in place. We are poised at an historic moment for decisive action to end family homelessness in America. Please join us in making this a reality.
Visit the links below to download fact sheets and access related websites:
Information about homeless children
Information about homeless families
Quick Facts about The National Center on Family Homelessness (PDF)
About The National Center on Family Homelessness (PDF)
Campaign to End Child Homelessness and America's Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness