In simpler terms one in 50 children will experience homelessness and the adverse risks associated such as developmental delays, domestic violence, and health conditions.
 
Before I share a few links with you it is important to make a clear distinction about homelessness.  Close your eyes and take just three seconds to picture what “homeless” looks like to you.
 
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The reality for many of us is that we have a clear image of what homeless in America looks like, and the scope of the problem is much broader than the picture we painted.  The official federal definition of “homeless” or "homeless individual or homeless person" includes an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
 
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 2002 the definition for “homeless children and youth” includes this same definition and clarifies inclusion of children who share residency, live in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds.
 
The definition also includes children who fit the traditional understanding of homeless including primary nighttime residence is a public or private place not designated for sleeping accommodations, living in cars, parks, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or migratory.
 
Many families are experiencing homelessness and the risk factors associated and in our economic climate this is more and more likely for families in Michigan.  It is important to link these families with the supports available to them whether through a local housing authority, local education agency, or other local supports including Head Start and Early Head Start for children 0-5.
 

A brief video if you have a few moments:

CBS: The New Face of Homelessness

 
Here are just a few helpful links:
 
Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Michigan Department of Education Homeless Education
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Act
The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
The National Center on Family Homelessness - Fact Sheet
The National Center on Family Homelessness
Michigan Homeless Shelters

Jeremy Reuter is the Director of the Head Start Collaboration Office