The UChicago Inclusive Economy Lab (formerly Poverty Lab), housed at the Harris School of Public Policy, has released the results of a comprehensive new study, done in conjunction with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), which finds that 13 percent of students face homelessness during their tenure, with Black students disproportionately affected. Twenty-six percent of Black CPS students experience some form of homelessness, as opposed to four percent of Hispanic students and two percent of white students.
The study, “Known, Valued, Inspired: New Evidence on Student Homelessness in Chicago,” reveals that affected students’ GPAs, attendance rates, and graduation rates lag behind those of their unaffected peers. Seeking to shed new light on the multiple and interconnected dimensions of student homelessness, the report outlines a series of strategies to help students stay engaged in school and succeed.
“Although the impact of homelessness is severe, our report shows that students facing homelessness are resilient and find immense value in school. They are more than capable of reaching their goals with access to supports that address the additional barriers they face,” said Carmelo Barbaro, Executive Director of the Inclusive Economy Lab. “The report highlights actionable strategies that policymakers and educators can implement to help students reach their full potential. This is of heightened importance given the stark racial disparities in students’ likelihood of experiencing homelessness, an obstacle for Black students that is intertwined with other systemic challenges that confront communities of color.”
"The district's population of students in temporary living situations (STLS) has always been a priority for us when looking at where and how to use our resources," said CPS Chief of College and Career Success, Michael Deuser. "Ensuring every school has an STLS liaison, conducting extensive outreach to STLS students and families and connecting them with important supports and community based resources is just some of the work being done on behalf of CPS to support our most vulnerable students. We remain committed to ensuring our STLS population is supported and resourced in a way that helps them succeed in the classroom and beyond and the Lab's report provides important insights that will inform the district's efforts for years to come."
