Student Homelessness at a New High

New data reveals a concerning trend across Wisconsin public schools that warrants our attention right here in our community: the number of students identified as homeless has reached a new high. During the 2023-24 school year, 20,195 students in Wisconsin were identified as homeless. This represents a significant 9.1% increase from the previous year, even as overall student enrollment declined. This is the highest number recorded since the state began tracking this data in 2019.

While the word "homeless" might conjure specific images, the definition used by schools under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is broader than what you might hear from housing agencies. It includes children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Crucially, this definition includes students who are "doubled up" – living with friends or family due to losing their own housing or experiencing economic hardship. These "doubled up" situations account for the majority of homeless students reported in Wisconsin, specifically 77% from 2019 to 2024. Other living situations included in the definition are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, campgrounds, emergency or transitional shelters, cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or substandard housing.

The recent rise in reported student homelessness is likely a result of a few factors. While there appears to be a genuine increase in family homelessness, school officials also credit improved methods of identifying students in need. Awareness of student homelessness has grown, and intentional efforts have been made by the state's Department of Public Instruction and local districts to improve identification and reporting procedures. However, a significant driver remains the insufficient supply of affordable housing throughout the state, especially family-appropriate options. School leaders expect this trend to continue partly due to this housing challenge.

This issue doesn't affect all students equally. While the statewide average rate of homelessness in 2024 was 2.5%, it was much higher for English learners (5.6%), students with disabilities (3.9%), and students of color (5.5%). The reported rates also show interesting patterns by age, generally decreasing as students get older until a notable jump in the twelfth grade. This late high school increase may be linked to students turning 18 and leaving difficult living situations even without stable alternatives.

A particularly vulnerable group highlighted in the data is unaccompanied students, those without a parent or guardian. They made up 11.2% of homeless students in 2024. The proportion of unaccompanied students grows significantly in the later high school years, with a nearly 100% increase between eleventh and twelfth grade in the graduating class of 2024. These students face the added burden of not having an adult advocate or support system.

While schools cannot solve homelessness itself, they play a critical role in mitigating its effects on education. Students experiencing housing instability historically face worse educational outcomes, including lower attendance rates, less academic success, lower graduation rates, and a higher likelihood of switching schools. Regular school attendance is particularly challenging for these students due to unstable housing and changing transportation needs.
Despite the common barriers homeless students face, such as lack of internet or reliable transportation, effective support must be individualized. School staff are encouraged to build relationships to understand and meet these specific needs. Some districts have dedicated staff and offer preferential treatment for homeless students accessing support programs like academic remediation.

Identifying and supporting these students is not just about helping a few individuals; addressing the needs of this high-risk group could benefit not only them but also Wisconsin’s educational outcomes overall. As community members, understanding these challenges and supporting local school efforts is vital to ensuring all students, regardless of their housing situation, have the opportunity to succeed.