It’s no surprise that homelessness takes its toll on children. But what most of us don’t think about is the extent of its impact on their health, growth and even education.
- Each year, more than 1.3 million children experience homelessness.
- 43% of those getting food from the Food Bank in Alameda County, California are children and teens.
- California’s Department of Education statistics indicate that nearly 150,000 school-age children experience homelessness each year.
- Homeless children are nine times more likely to repeat a grade, four times more likely to drop out of school, and three times more likely to be placed in special education programs than their housed peers.
While these statistics are surprising and heartbreaking, there is hope. Gifts to Shepherd’s Gate help needy children and women get back on their feet so that they can go on to live full, successful lives. That’s why we do what we do and why we’re so grateful for all of our ministry partners.