News Summary
New York City is facing a significant rise in homelessness among public school students, with over 154,000 reported homeless during the academic year. This alarming statistic equates to one in seven students in the nation’s largest public school system. The issue is particularly acute in certain districts, where academic performance and attendance suffer due to the precarious living conditions. Advocates are calling for stronger governmental action to support these families and address the intertwined challenges of homelessness and education.
New York City has witnessed a troubling rise in homelessness among its public school students, with over 154,000 students reported homeless during the 2024-2025 academic year. This staggering statistic translates to nearly one in seven students enrolled in the city’s public school system, the largest in the nation. For the tenth consecutive year, more than 100,000 students have lacked a permanent home, highlighting an ongoing crisis.
Significantly, 2024-2025 marked the first time the number of children living in temporary housing surpassed 150,000. A report by Advocates for Children of New York detailed the challenges that families face in accessing basic needs such as shelter, food, and school supplies, painting a picture of the worsening conditions many students endure.
Approximately 65,000 homeless children resided in city shelters last year, while over 82,000 children were living in precarious situations, sharing a residence with others. The rates of homelessness among students increased compared to the previous school year, with Bronx schools recording the highest numbers, followed closely by those in Manhattan.
In specific community school districts, the situation is particularly dire; in areas such as East Harlem (District 4), Highbridge and Grand Concourse (District 9), Brownsville (District 23), and Bushwick (District 32), more than one in five students were identified as homeless. The report highlights severe academic challenges faced by homeless students, leading to higher rates of absenteeism and lower academic performance.
Data from the 2023-2024 school year indicated that one in eight students living in shelters dropped out of high school, a dropout rate three times higher than their peers with stable housing. The four-year graduation rate for homeless students stood at 62%, whereas the rate for students with permanent housing reached 85%. Additionally, around 40% of families living in shelters were moved to different boroughs away from their children’s schools, complicating attendance and academic continuity.
The report emphasizes the greater struggle for education among homeless children. About 67% of students in shelters were reported as chronically absent, with over half missing at least one in every ten school days. The proficiency rates on New York State English Language Arts and math exams for these children were alarmingly low, with only 22% of students in grades 3-8 residing in shelters achieving a proficient score.
Challenges in coordination between shelter and school systems have resulted in significant lost instructional time for many students. Current concerns are exacerbated by the ongoing migrant crisis, further straining resources and support for homeless students.
Advocates for Children of New York have called on the city government to take stronger action to support homeless families, labeling the growing issue as a “moral failure.” The report urges city leadership to prioritize educational assistance for homeless students, emphasizing that education is crucial for breaking the cycle of homelessness.
To address these challenges, the New York City Department of Education has assigned over 350 staff members to aid students in temporary housing, with some positioned in shelters to enhance educational access and effectiveness.
As New York City continues to grapple with this pressing issue, advocates emphasize the critical need for innovative solutions to alleviate family homelessness and support the educational needs of affected children.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Syracuse Launches Major Housing Developments to Combat Crisis
Ten-Year-Old Entrepreneur Julian Lin Inspires with Charity Work
New York City’s Real Estate Sector Sees Major Activity
New York State Allocates Over $1 Billion for Central New York
Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Record Number of Homeless Students in NYC
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- amNY: NYC Public School Students Homeless Report
- Google Search: NYC homeless students report
- New York Post: Grim Data on NYC Homeless Kids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- ABC7NY: More than 150,000 NYC Students Homeless
- Google News: Homeless Students New York City
- City and State NY: 154K NYC Public School Students Homeless
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
