Key Data Concerning Homeless Children and Youth

• 39% of the national homeless population are children (Martha Burt et al, Helping America's Homeless, p.47)
• 42% of homeless children are under 5 years of age (U.S. Department of Education, Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program Report to Congress, Fiscal Year 2000)
• Of the 42%, only 15% are enrolled in pre-school (U.S. Department of Education, Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program Report to Congress, Fiscal Year 2000)
• 38% of the homeless population have less than a high school degree by age 18 (Burt, Helping America's Homeless, Emergency Shelter or affordable press? pg.87)
• 50% of the homeless population report dropping out of school during the course of their education (Aron, Burt, Douglas, Homelessness: Programs and the People They Serve)