1 in 30 children in the U.S. experiences homelessness each year, and this number is growing. These are children who lack consistent shelter, moving from place to place, staying in shelters, motels, or even cars.

Emotional Trauma: The constant stress of not knowing where they’ll sleep or when they’ll eat leads to emotional and behavioral problems. Many homeless children struggle with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, making it hard for them to focus and thrive in school or social environments.

Developmental Delays: Homeless children are twice as likely to experience developmental delays, including speech and motor skill delays, due to the trauma and instability they face.

Educational Barriers: Frequent moves and lack of transportation mean that homeless children often miss school, or change schools multiple times in a year. This leads to them falling behind academically, with only 77% of homeless children graduating from high school compared to the national average of 84%.

Health Issues: Homeless children are at greater risk of suffering from hunger, poor nutrition, and chronic health conditions like asthma and anemia. They often have limited access to medical care, making it difficult for them to stay healthy.

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Children who attend high-quality early childhood programs, like daycare, are up to 25% more likely to graduate from high school and earn up to 50% more income as adults compared to those who don’t.