UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools

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 Los Angeles County, which serves a disproportionate share of affected students. Drawing on five years of data, this study compares trends across local, state, and national levels. It also examines variation across districts—including charter schools—to better understand local patterns and disparities. The study concludes with recommendations to strengthen data capacity, sustain funding, and advance targeted, evidence-based supports for students experiencing homelessness.