Deputy Director Jasmine Hayes dives even deeper into one of the critical sources of data, the National Center for Homeless Education’s recently released summary of data on children and youth experiencing homelessness for school years 2014-17. 

Summary of Data

• The majority – 76% - of students experiencing homelessness were sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
• The shared housing category represents the largest numeric increase, with an increase of nearly 67,000 students (a 7% increase) since the 2014-15 school year.
• Nearly 14% of students were in shelters, transitional housing, or awaiting foster care placement; more than 6% of students were in hotels/motels; and nearly 4% were unsheltered.
• The unsheltered category represents the largest percentage increase, with an increase of more than 27% (10,700 students since the 2014-15 school year).
• Among sub-groups of students identified as experiencing homelessness, unaccompanied youth increased by 25% compared to the 2014-15 school year.
• In 28 states, unaccompanied youth comprise 10% or more of the total population of students identified as experiencing homelessness.