California public schools state rise in students without stable housing

(MENAFN) California public schools have recorded 230,443 students without stable housing for the 2024–2025 academic year, marking a 9.3% increase from the previous year, according to state enrollment figures reported by local media.

Experts and education advocates point to the ongoing housing crisis and enhanced reporting protocols as key drivers of the rise. A 2021 state law mandates that all school employees—ranging from teachers to bus drivers—be trained to identify families living in unstable conditions, such as in vehicles, hotels, or overcrowded apartments. As a result of this expanded awareness, staff flagged an additional 21,000 students, despite an overall decline in school enrollment.
In one county, officials have moved away from using the term “homeless,” opting instead for “families in transition.” Since adopting the new terminology last fall, the region documented 7,200 students lacking permanent housing—up 10% compared to 2023.

One official explained that this shift in language encouraged more families to seek support: “The higher count unlocked free transportation, tutoring and supplies, so dropping the ‘homeless’ label makes families more willing to seek help.”

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