Report Finds Record Number of NYC Students Were Homeless During Previous School Year

"The shocking statistic made the 2024-2025 school year the 10th consecutive year in which more than 100,000 students did not have a permanent place to call home. by Barbara Russo-Lennon, amNY More than 154,000 NYC public school students were homeless last year, according to a report published on Monday by the Advocates for Children of New York (AFC). That number is nearly one in every seven students enrolled in the nation's largest public school system."

"The report, based on data from the NYS Education Department, comes at a time when NYC families are struggling to afford basic needs, including shelter and food. According to the new report, nearly 65,000 homeless children spent time living in city shelters last year. More than 82,000 were "doubled up," or temporarily shared housing with others. The overall rate increased from the previous school year and was highest in Bronx schools, followed by those in Manhattan."

"At the community school district level, more than one in five students was identified as homeless at schools in East Harlem (District 4), Highbridge and Grand Concourse (District 9), Brownsville (District 23), and Bushwick (District 32) during the 2024-25 school year. Researchers who did the study said that when students are homeless or live in shelters, they face "tremendous obstacles" to their academic success. Studies have shown that absenteeism increases, grades go down and the likelihood of high-school graduation rates decrease."

More than 154,000 New York City public school students experienced homelessness during the 2024-2025 school year, nearly one in seven enrolled students. The 2024-25 year was the tenth consecutive year with over 100,000 unhoused students and the first to top 150,000 in temporary housing. Nearly 65,000 children spent time in city shelters and over 82,000 were doubled up in shared housing. Homelessness rates rose from the previous year and were highest in Bronx schools, then Manhattan. More than one in five students were identified as homeless in several districts including East Harlem, Highbridge, Brownsville, and Bushwick. Homelessness correlates with higher absenteeism, falling grades, and lower high-school graduation likelihood.

Read at Brownstoner