Ending Homelessness

Introduction – 1.3 million homeless students have been identified across the country – Cuts in federal programs such as the McKinney Vento Act – Less than $50 per child provided to help support these students’ access to education ( Lesley).

Claim Federal housing and education assistance for homeless families with children must be increased.

Reason The effects of homelessness are devastating to children who are being denied access to stable housing and education.

Evidence: Logos 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness yearly (“Hunger and Homelessness” ). Children are the fastest-growing homeless group – currently at 25% of homeless population in US (“Hunger and Homelessness” ). Of every 200 children in America, 3 are currently homeless and almost 6 will be at risk for homelessness before they graduate (“Education of Homeless Children and Youth.” ). 22% of homeless high school students live in shelters, 65% live with other family members or friends, 7% live in motels, and 6% live without shelter (“Facts and Resources About the Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness” ). Children who are homeless are eight times more likely to suffer abuse and neglect than other children (“Facts and Resources About the Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness” ).

Evidence: Pathos Zach Montgomery, 17 Became homeless when family’s landlord didn’t pay mortgage Now living in a motel for $155/week Never misses school because he qualifies for free lunches "You've only got that door. I'm thinking someone's going to come in, just come in and do whatever they think they can do. I’d like to have a house, but at least I’ve got a roof.” (Armario).

Call to Action Congress must stop funding cuts to the McKinney-Vento Act, which helps to provide housing and education to homeless people, and especially homeless children.

Works Cited: Ethos Armario, Christine. “Florida Homeless Students Face Emotional Challenges In Growing Numbers.” Huffington Post, 04 Apr Web. 30 November “Education of Homeless Children and Youth.” National Homeless. National Coalition for the Homeless, 21 Feb Web. 29 November “Facts and Resources About the Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness.” NAEHCY. The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, n.d. Web, 29 Nov “Hunger and Homelessness.” Students Against Hunger. National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, n.d. Web. 29 Nov Lesley, Bruce. "1.3 Million Children Should Not Be Left Homeless." Huffington Post, 10 Nov Web. 29 Nov