• How many students experience homelessness?

    Each year, more students in Wake County experience housing instability. This reality affects children and youth from every background.

    Below you can see how the number of students identified under the McKinney-Vento Act has changed over time.

    Annual counts of identified students

    • 2024-25 - 5,938
    • 2023-24 - 5,654
    • 2022-23 - 5,143
    • 2021-22 - 4,747
    • 2020-21 - 4,076
    • 2019-20 - 4,527
    • 2018-19 - 4,365
    • 2017-18 - 3,989
    • 2016-17 - 3,465
    • 2015-16 - 2,940
    • 2014-15 - 2,736

    Why do families lose housing?

    Housing challenges can happen for many reasons, often without warning. Common causes include:

    • Lack of affordable housing

    • Job loss or reduced income

    • Serious illness or injury

    • Natural disasters

    • Major life changes

    • Domestic violence or abuse

    Homelessness affects people from all walks of life. WCPSS is committed to supporting every student experiencing these challenges.