- Nicole Hoste-Breslin
- Sep 17, 2024
- 2 min read
Housing insecurity affects children in ways that shape their futures. Across the U.S., more than 2.5 million children experience homelessness each year. Many of these children fall under Category 2 homelessness, meaning they live doubled up in overcrowded housing, bounce between motels, or stay in unstable conditions with no permanent place to call home.
What is Category 2 Homelessness?
Category 2 homelessness refers to families and children who do not have a stable, permanent home but are not staying in shelters or on the streets. Instead, they are temporarily living with others due to financial hardship or unstable housing conditions. This includes children who are staying in motels, couch-surfing, or living in overcrowded homes with multiple families.
The impact is devastating:
Only 64% of homeless youth graduate from high school, compared to 84% of their housed peers.
Youth experiencing homelessness are 4.5 times more likely to become homeless adults.
Lack of stable housing leads to chronic absenteeism, poor academic performance, and emotional distress.
Housing-insecure or Homeless students are 9 times more likely to repeat a grade.
75% of homeless students in Genesee County fall under Category 2 homelessness.
25% of homeless students move 3-4 times during the school year.
Homeless children are 3 times more likely to be placed in special education programs.
42% of homeless students have dropped out of school at least once.
47% of homeless youth suffer from anxiety, depression, or withdrawal.
They are 7 times more likely to attempt suicide.
Bright Futures, a new initiative under our Shared Housing Intervention Program (SHIP), aims to break this cycle by providing essential resources and support for children facing housing instability.
Through Bright Futures, children in the Genesee Intermediate School District can come to us for:
✅ Reliable internet access for schoolwork
✅ Tutoring and academic support to keep them on track
✅ Hot meals and take-home snacks to ensure they are nourished
✅ Laundry facilities to provide clean clothing
✅ Mentorship and guidance to build confidence and resilience
During the school year, Bright Futures is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays for students who attend school online. Grade school programming runs from 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm. A friendly Family Promise face picks kids up from school and transports them to our Day Center. After-school enrichment activities typically include help with homework, crafts, and a warm meal.
This support is available to any child in Genesee County. Currently, we do not have a Bright Futures location in Lapeer County; however, we are actively exploring future expansion opportunities.
By investing in these children today, we help shape brighter futures—ones filled with opportunity, stability, and success.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can change the statistics and ensure every child has the foundation they need to thrive. For more information, contact us at info@familypromiseofgc.org.
