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Babies Homeless: US Toddler Crisis Soars 23%
18 Jan
Summary
- Nearly 450,000 US infants/toddlers experienced homelessness in 2023.
- Homelessness among young children increased by 23% from 2021 to 2023.
- Early childhood programs offer crucial support but are underutilized.
A growing crisis of homelessness is impacting infants and toddlers across the United States, with a 23% increase in affected children between 2021 and 2023. Nearly 450,000 young children lived in families without stable housing as of 2023, a figure experts fear may be underestimated due to "hidden homelessness."
Factors such as soaring costs for essentials like diapers and formula, exorbitant childcare expenses, and rising maternal mental health issues are driving this trend. Housing instability profoundly affects young children's development, often leading to delays in language, literacy, and self-regulation skills, with potential long-term health and learning consequences.
While early childhood programs like Horizons' Edgerley Center in Boston offer vital support, they struggle to meet demand, serving only a fraction of those in need. Experts advocate for policy changes including increased minimum wages, expanded childcare options, and affordable housing to prevent babies from experiencing homelessness.
