Early Years is committed to supporting the rights of young children and their families to have the best possible life through research, services, and advocacy. Visit Early Years’ Bringing Families Home for their work to support families experiencing homelessness.

 What is the problem we are trying to solve?

• The North Carolina Homeless Education Program reported that 37,197 Pre-K – 12th Grade students were experiencing homelessness in the 2023-2024 school year (2.2% of the student population. 
  • 18% staying in a hotel/motel
  • 7% staying in shelter
  • 71% doubled up
  • 4% were unsheltered (about 1,488 children sleeping outside)
• In 2022-2023 there were 11,620 children under age 3 in North Carolina experiencing homelessness (only 4% were enrolled in Head Start).
• Research shows that homelessness is an adverse childhood experience associated with developmental delays, mental health challenges, emotional dysregulation, and poor health due to associated factors.
• Connecting families with high-quality early education and child care and out-of-school programs along with ensuring access to child care subsidies provides stability that builds resilience and supports the whole family.
• For more information, visit Bringing Families Home

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