Number of homeless kids up or down? New report gives clearer state progress picture

Kentucky Housing Corporation has released the Children and Youth Findings for the Progress Report on Ending Homelessness, a report describing the trends and changes in the homeless population in all counties except Jefferson and Fayette, called the Balance of State. The report highlights an increase in homeless children under the U.S. Department of Education McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act definition, but a decrease in homeless children under the definition by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. From 2009-2013, according to the definition used by the DOE, the number of homeless children has increased 6.45 percent. According to the definition used by HUD, the number of homeless children in Kentucky has decreased 24 percent annually from 2009-2013 in the Balance of State. The definition of homelessness used by DOE is much broader than the HUD definition of homelessness. Namely, DOE counts children who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or similar reason; living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or awaiting foster care placement; living in substandard housing; or migratory children defined in section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. HUD does not include any of these children in its numbers. “We work diligently to ensure we have analyzed the data thoroughly to give the most accurate picture possible of Kentucky’s homeless youth,” said KHC Executive Director J. Kathryn Peters. “The differing standards are necessary given the reporting criteria of various government entities, and KHC is proud to be part of the effort to share with the public just how extensive the needs are of these youngest Kentuckians who rely heavily on the services provided by our partners.” According to the report, Kentucky families are becoming resourceful in locating housing by means other than a homeless assistance provider. Kentucky has made steps to provide local educational agency liaisons for homeless children and their families. All school districts in the Commonwealth have at least one liaison, according to the report. Anyone who knows of a family or child in need is encouraged to contact their local school district homelessness liaison. A list of liaisons is available on the Kentucky Department of Education website, under Title II-State & Federal Programs. A copy of the liaisons also appears in the report. The Children and Youth Findings is the third in a series. Future reports will examine domestic violence survivor homelessness, as well as the impact of disabilities on homeless individuals. The report is available on KHC’s website, under Specialized Housing, Resources. From http://www.kyforward.com/our-government/2014/01/22/number-of-homeless-kids-up-or-down-new-report-gives-clearer-state-progress-picture/