Survey: K-12 Students Face Housing Challenges While Resources and Supports Remain Elusive Current economic, educational and societal factors prompted leading not-for- profit survey of educators on the connection between housing stability and educational outcomes New York, NY— Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) and The NHP Foundation (NHPF) today released findings from joint research exploring educators’ perspectives on the intersection of housing and education, revealing that 3 in 4 educators (76%) reported housing-related challenges are somewhat common or very common among their students. At the same time, more than 1 in 3 educators (38%) indicate they do not know how to connect students experiencing housing challenges with necessary supports, including housing, academic assistance, mental health services and others. The findings are based on a nationally representative survey of 500 educators from across the country. In examining how housing-related challenges—including homelessness, evictions, frequent moves, overcrowded living conditions and poor-quality housing—impact student academic performance, the research also identifies gaps in support for educators and possible solutions for both community development and education professionals. Key Findings • Housing-related challenges among students are widespread: 76% of educators reported housing-related challenges are somewhat common or very common among their students. • In Title 1 schools, which serve primarily students from low-income households, 87% of the staff surveyed said that housing challenges are common. In non-Title 1 schools, 65% of staff surveyed indicated housing challenges are common. • Educators face barriers to connecting students with housing supports: 38% of educators did not know how to connect students with supports and services. • Almost half (44%) of educators indicated they have had no training in identifying and supporting students experiencing housing-related challenges. • Educators in Title I schools, despite serving a greater proportion of students experiencing housing challenges, are less likely to know how to connect a student to supports and services than their peers in non-Title I schools.
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THE NHP FOUNDATION
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