--News Direct--
A new report from national nonprofit SchoolHouse Connection reveals that an estimated 446,996 infants and toddlers—ages birth through three—experienced homelessness during the 2022–2023 program year. This marks a staggering 23% increase in just two years.
The report, Infant and Toddler Homelessness Across 50 States: 2022–2023, produced in partnership with Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, is the only 50-state analysis of homelessness among our nation’s youngest children. It presents the latest state-level estimates of infant and toddler homelessness, early childhood enrollment data, and urgent recommendations for policymakers, agencies, and service providers across sectors—including early childhood, housing, and homelessness systems.
“A child’s brain develops faster from birth through age three than at any other time in life. Homelessness during these years can do lasting harm,” said Barbara Duffield, Executive Director of SchoolHouse Connection. “We must confront this growing crisis with the urgency it demands. That means rejecting harmful cuts to programs that prevent and address infant and toddler homelessness, and taking immediate practical actions to ensure that every baby has the chance to thrive from the start.”
Despite their vulnerability, the report finds that only 10% of infants and toddlers experiencing homelessness were served by an early childhood development program—down from 11.5% two years ago. In 16 states, the number of children reached by early childhood programs declined, even as homelessness increased.
"Homelessness among infants and toddlers is increasing at a time when access to early childhood and housing services is decreasing," said Erin Patterson, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships of SchoolHouse Connection. "We have to use this data to center the needs of babies in order to disrupt the cycle of homelessness."
The report also highlights state and local innovations that are working to identify and serve young children experiencing homelessness and urges replication and scale.
The report concludes with concrete policy recommendations for Congress, federal and state agencies, and local providers, emphasizing cross-sector coordination and increased investment in both early childhood programs and housing solutions.
A link to the report, state-by-state summary, and methodology, can be found here.
Hear from the team behind the report:
SchoolHouse Connection works to overcome homelessness, from prenatal to postsecondary, through strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with youth, families, schools, early childhood programs, institutions of higher education, and service providers. To learn more, please visit schoolhouseconnection.org.
Contact Details
Leconte Lee
leconte@schoolhouseconnection.org
Company Website
https://schoolhouseconnection.org/
View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/new-report-reveals-sharp-increase-in-infant-and-toddler-homelessness-nationwide-885555261
