Currently, an estimated 1.35 million children are homeless in the United States with more than 40% of them under the age of 5. The number of homeless people in the United States has increased steadily over the past 10 years, and children and families represent the fastest growing portion of this population. As many as 43% of homeless, school-aged children do not attend school at all; many others attend only sporadically. The retention rate of homeless students is twice that of their "housed" peers. Some of the factors associated with homelessness that affect children's school performance include fatigue and poor nutrition; poor concentration due to worrying ; gaps in their school knowledge from missed days; and lack of daily preparedness, like completing homework, resulting from not having necessary materials or a place to study.
What constitutes homelessness in the United States? Which provides funding to public schools with homeless children, homelessness means lack of a regular and adequate nighttime residence. This definition includes children who live in a shelter, motel, or campground; are abandoned in a hospital; are waiting for foster care placement; or who sleep in a public or private place not normally intended for sleeping accommodations, such as cars or abandoned buildings. In addition, children are considered homeless if they are migratory or temporarily doubled up in the home of others.
Individuals become homeless for a variety of reasons. As many as 57% are family members who become homeless after fleeing an abusive household. Others become homeless when a parent loses a job and the family can't pay rent, or after a natural disaster destroy their home. Homelessness may last a few days or a lifetime................
