Recent ucla_cts_homelessness items

Rising Numbers, Fading Resources: Students Experiencing Homelessness in Los Angeles County

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines student homelessness in Los Angeles County within broader state and national trends, highlighting the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on identification, engagement, and attendance. Pandemic-related disruptions intensified chronic absenteeism and obscured accurate identification, particularly during periods of remote learning. National data also show that many students experiencing homelessness face overlapping vulnerabilities, including disability status, migrant education eligibility, and English learner needs. In response, the American Rescue Plan – Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) program provided substantial short-term funding to expand identification efforts and deliver wraparound supports, though these funds have since expired. The end of this funding has created a fiscal cliff, resulting in reduced services and staffing for students experiencing homelessness. Recent data show sharp increases in student homelessness across California, specifically...

Hidden in Plain Sight: Fear, Underidentification, and Funding Gaps for Housing-Insecure Students in Los Angeles County

Wed, 6 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Los Angeles County is facing a rapidly escalating youth homelessness crisis. In the 2023–24 school year, more than 61,000 students experienced homelessness, a nearly 30% increase from the prior 2022–23 school year, with Latine students (75%) and English Learners (34%) disproportionately affected (California Department of Education, 2024; Cazares-Minero & Bishop, 2026). Despite federal protections under the McKinney-Vento Act, a significant gap persists between policy intent and frontline realities.

This qualitative study draws on interviews with seven school-based homeless liaisons and county officials across five districts to examine identification practices, service barriers, and data systems. Findings show major challenges in accurately identifying students due to inconsistent, subjective processes, despite the statewide requirement of a housing questionnaire. Many families avoid self-identification...

State of Crisis: Dismantling Student Homelessness in CA

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Study’s Purpose:Over 269,000 K–12 students in California experience homelessness, alongside significant numbers in early childhood and higher education. These students face disproportionate barriers to academic success, including higher rates of suspension, absenteeism, and lower graduation and college readiness rates. This study investigates the educational and social supports needed to improve outcomes for students experiencing homelessness, from early learning through college.

Research Methods:The report draws on qualitative data from over 150 stakeholders including students, educators, homeless liaisons, community-based organizations, school districts, and higher education institutions through interviews and focus groups. Quantitative analysis of statewide data from the 2018–2019 school year examines patterns in suspension, absenteeism, graduation, and college readiness rates among students experiencing homelessness.

Key Findings:Findings reveal that current...

State of Crisis: Understanding District Educational Patterns for CA Students Experiencing Homelessness

Thu, 5 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This policy brief builds upon our 2020 analysis of student homelessness statewide to examine district-level data for 10 districts across the state. In 2021, California made historic investments to help students and schools recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, adversely impacting schools and students experiencing homelessness, limiting the scope and application of student data, and creating new challenges for teaching and learning. While the future after this pandemic is unclear, we must continue to support students experiencing homelessness and address the long-standing inequities that this vulnerable student group faces. Learn more on the CTS website.

1.37 Million and Rising: Understanding the National 25% Spike in Student Homelessness

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

What do we know about the nearly 1.4 million students experiencing homelessness in the U.S.? Our latest brief, “1.37 Million and Rising: Understanding the National 25% Spike in Student Homelessness” explores national patterns for housing insecure youth across the U.S. Students without stable housing, one of several highly mobile student populations, are more likely to miss school, face disciplinary actions, and fall behind academically. Yet many remain invisible in national education data.

This brief builds upon our research on students experiencing homelessness in California, the epicenter of the student homelessness crisis, and highly mobile youth—including an overview of...

No Shame or Stigmas: Prioritizing Students Experiencing Homelessness in Long Beach Unified and Monterey County

Mon, 6 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Youth homelessness remains a prominent national challenge for state officials and policymakers, although most pronounced in California, largely due to the ongoing housing crisis. Long Beach Unified and Monterey County in particular have significant numbers of students experiencing homelessness. Recognizing that homelessness is a condition that is intersectional with the educational experiences and outcomes of youth, this brief highlights state and school officials’ perspectives to examine relevant challenges, policies, and practices related to the youth homelessness crisis. In addition to identifying pertinent challenges, participants provided insights into established and emerging practices and approaches that have been effective in meeting the needs of homeless youth. The brief concludes with recommendations for state officials, local officials, and school staff to inform better supports of youth impacted by homelessness. Learn more on the CTS website.