New Interactive Dashboard Reveals Stark Realities of Child and Youth Homelessness in the United States

A groundbreaking collaboration between SchoolHouse Connection and the University of Michigan's Poverty Solutions has unveiled an interactive data dashboard that offers an in-depth examination of child and youth homelessness across the United States. The new resource provides a comprehensive analysis of federal data spanning four years, revealing critical insights into the educational challenges faced by students experiencing homelessness.

The interactive dashboard allows users to explore homelessness trends across multiple geographic scales, from national and state levels to local communities, congressional districts, and state legislative districts. This unprecedented level of detail enables stakeholders to gain a nuanced understanding of how homelessness impacts educational outcomes.

Key features of the data profiles include the ability to assess potential under-identification of homeless students within school districts and highlight districts that are severely underfunded. By comparing educational indicators such as chronic absenteeism and graduation rates between homeless and housed students, the dashboard provides a stark illustration of the educational disparities caused by housing instability.

Barbara Duffield, Executive Director of SchoolHouse Connection, emphasized the significance of the project, noting that child and youth homelessness remains largely invisible in many communities. The data profiles aim to shed light on these often-overlooked students and demonstrate the profound impact of homelessness on academic achievement.

The comprehensive analysis offers more than just statistical information; it serves as a critical tool for policymakers, educators, and advocates seeking to develop targeted interventions and support systems for students experiencing homelessness. By providing transparent, accessible data, the dashboard empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions and develop strategies to address this complex social issue.

SchoolHouse Connection and Poverty Solutions will host a webinar to demonstrate the dashboard's features and discuss key findings, providing participants with guidance on navigating the interactive tool, interpreting data trends, and using the information to inform local and state policy initiatives.

This innovative data resource represents a significant step toward understanding and addressing the educational challenges faced by homeless youth, offering hope for more targeted and effective support systems in the future.