Students in Transition

Rates of homelessness in the United States among children and youth are higher today than at any point since data has been collected on homelessness. Wake County Public School System has seen an increase in the number of students experiencing homelessness over the last few years.

Total # of Students Identified

2018-2019     4,365*
2017-2018     3,989
2016-2017     3,465
2015-2016     2,940
2014-2015     2,736

*Out of the 4,365 students identified in the 18-19 SY, 234 children were age 0-5 and not attending school. The data for children age 0-5 not attending school and experiencing homelessness is a new federally required data point for public school districts. Most of the identified children age 0-5 identified by WCPSS school liaisons are siblings to school-age children experiencing homelessness.

Data for NC can be found at the NC Homeless Education Profile Page.

Why do families experience homelessness?

Homelessness is often thought of as something that only happens to people with particular traits, habits, or economic standing, but it impacts people from all backgrounds. Consider the following: lack of affordable housing, job loss, serious illness/accident, natural disaster, significant life changes, child and youth abuse and domestic violence are among some of the reasons for a loss of housing.