Student Homelessness Surges In California
California has a student homelessness crisis. This makes it crucial to collect data on homeless students, so that schools can provide support that these students may need – which is hard because of massive stigma. The good news is that when teachers are trained in more inclusive language to talk about student homelessness, the rate of self reporting goes up. This means that students who need additional support are identified and able to receive it. However there is still more to be done, and it's going to cost money.
When schools have the funds to create support programs for students, it increases engagement and attendance. Programs to bring in counselors, have free quality food and clean safe environments are worth the investment. Everyone deserves a quality education no matter their housing situation or socioeconomic status. Properly funded schools can make this ideal a reality. That’s why we need Prop. 13 reform now, more than ever. Students experiencing homelessness can’t wait.
Photograph by Shelby Knowles/ CalMatters
By Carolyn Jones | CalMatters | July 2 2025