Earlier this week, on Giving Tuesday, we shared the story of Bill, an older adult and hardworking man living on a fixed income and unable to get by. We see so many guests who are just like Bill. But we also know that homelessness knows no boundaries, no age limits, and does not discriminate against whom it impacts. While we have seen a rise in guests across our shelters in Michigan City and La Porte, one of the surprising things this year is how many families we have seen come through our doors. Unhoused families are the fastest-growing segment of the unhoused population nationally and in our community.
A Troubling Trend
Over the past year, we’ve welcomed mothers and fathers with children of all ages seeking emergency shelter. Most families who enter a Nest shelter do so during an emergency and then transition to a shelter that better meets their specific needs. At Nest, our population is separated by gender, which is not ideal for a father with a daughter or a mother with older sons. Since most families prefer to stay together, we collaborate with our partners to find more suitable shelter options for our guests.
In December, we will examine unhoused children. What is especially heartbreaking about this group is that they are bystanders in a situation that directly affects them. However, they lack the ability to influence change in the situation. We also know that children who experience homelessness are more likely to become unhoused adults, struggle academically, are more susceptible to health and mental health issues, and so much more.
According to an article in the Indy Star, this past July, 22,114 school-aged children were unhoused during the 2023-2024 school year in Indiana. This marked a 44% increase from the previous school year. In Michigan City alone, 155 students are enrolled in the McKinney-Vento program, which experienced a 5-6% increase over the last four years. Nationally, the program saw a 32% rise in participants. The McKinney-Vento program is available to all school-aged children for support while experiencing homelessness. You can learn more about the program here.
The Unseen & Uncounted Children in Our Community
What is troubling beyond the statistics of this upward trend is the children who go unreported. Some children are too young to be in school and therefore are not counted, while others may be school-aged but are not attending school. Some children are experiencing hidden homelessness, where the school is not aware of the living situation. Many choose not to report due to the stigma of being unhoused or fear of their children being taken due to the living situation. While the collected statistics tell a troubling story, we know that the numbers beyond the statistics are far worse for the youngest in our community.
For families and the general unhoused population, the causes of becoming unhoused are complex. Still, for many families, the cost of housing and the rising cost of living are outpacing wages, which are directly leading to a housing crisis. In many cases, these children have one or two caregivers who work yet cannot afford the rent, utilities, food, and other necessary monthly expenses to survive. We know that among unhoused adults, between 40 – 60% are actively working. With the average 1-bedroom apartment in our community costing over $1200+ per month and the minimum wage at $7 per hour, the math does not add up. Affordable living is slipping out of the hands of families in our communities, leaving many out on the streets, living out of their vehicles, and in shelters.
Throughout December, we will focus on the youngest of those affected by homelessness. For unhoused children in our community, this season brings both holiday cheer and uncertainty. While other children eagerly await the holidays, unhoused children may go without and face the dangers of the cold. We will further examine the causes of children becoming unhoused, the reality that they’re living with, and the impact that being unhoused as a child has for a lifetime.
