New Interactive Data Profiles Shed Light on Child and Youth Homelessness in the U.S.

The collaboration between SchoolHouse Connection and the University of Michigan's Poverty Solutions has resulted in the creation of interactive data profiles that offer a comprehensive view of child and youth homelessness across the United States. These profiles, which analyze federal data over a four-year period, aim to bring attention to the often-overlooked issue of homelessness among students and its detrimental effects on their education.

Barbara Duffield, Executive Director of SchoolHouse Connection, pointed out the invisibility of child and youth homelessness in many communities and schools. The new data profiles seek to change that by providing detailed insights into how homelessness affects student attendance and academic performance. This initiative is a crucial step towards identifying gaps in support and services for homeless students.

Jennifer Erb-Downward from Poverty Solutions emphasized the role of these profiles in making data accessible to policymakers at all levels. By offering a clear picture of homelessness trends and educational outcomes, the profiles can guide the development of targeted strategies to combat youth homelessness and its consequences on education.

The interactive dashboard allows users to explore homelessness data at various geographic levels, from national to local, including U.S. Congressional and state legislative districts. A notable feature of the dashboard is its ability to help school districts identify potential under-identification of homeless students, ensuring that more children and youth receive the support they need.

By comparing homeless students with their housed peers on key educational indicators such as chronic absenteeism and graduation rates, the data profiles highlight the stark disparities faced by students experiencing housing instability. This comparative analysis is invaluable for understanding the full scope of the challenge and for crafting effective interventions.

The release of these interactive data profiles marks a significant advancement in the effort to address youth homelessness. By providing educators, policymakers, and advocates with the tools to understand and act on this issue, SchoolHouse Connection and Poverty Solutions are paving the way for meaningful change in the lives of homeless students across the country.