Charlotte’s Hidden Crisis: Student Homelessness on the Rise
A recent report reveals a concerning trend across the Charlotte region: a significant increase in the number of public school students experiencing homelessness. This isn’t just a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) issue; neighboring districts are also seeing a notable rise, signaling a broader community challenge.
The Alarming Climb in CMS Student Homelessness
The number of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students identified as homeless has escalated dramatically. During the 2024-25 school year, 5,704 students faced homelessness, a substantial increase from 4,206 in the 2021-22 school year, marking a 35.6% jump. This rise comes despite total enrollment in CMS remaining relatively stagnant over the past five years, meaning the issue isn’t simply due to a larger student body. These students now represent approximately 4% of the district’s 141,000 pupils.
A Regional Trend: Beyond Mecklenburg County
The increase in student homelessness is not isolated to Charlotte. Surrounding counties are reporting similar upward trends. This regional pattern points to a systemic issue, with officials suggesting that improved identification methods, alongside real increases, are contributing factors.
| School District | Homeless Students (2021-22) | Homeless Students (Latest Data) |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Mecklenburg (CMS) | 4,206 | 5,704 (2024-25) |
| Gaston County Schools | ~582 | 923 (Last School Year) |
| Union County Public Schools | ~347 (2022-23) | 444 (2024-25) |
| Cabarrus County Schools | N/A | 833 (2023-24) |
| Iredell-Statesville Schools | ~333 (2022-23) | 563 (Last School Year) |
What’s Driving the Increase?
According to Kenny Robinson of Freedom Fighting Missionaries, who assists homeless students and families, the primary driver is Charlotte’s growing cost-of-living crisis. Rising rental costs, insufficient eviction prevention resources, and a lack of sustainable employment are pushing families into precarious situations. The county’s overall homeless population rose by nearly 15% between June 2022 and June 2024, mirroring the student trend.
Beyond economic factors, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) highlights better identification practices. Increased staffing and training, partly funded by COVID relief, have enhanced local districts’ ability to recognize and report homeless students, including those who are “doubled up” – living temporarily with other families.
Understanding McKinney-Vento and “Invisible” Students
The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures that students experiencing homelessness have equal access to public education. It mandates schools remove barriers to attendance and success. A significant challenge, however, is that many homeless students are “invisible” to the wider community. They aren’t typically seen on the streets but are living in motels, shelters, or with relatives, making their struggles less apparent.
Despite the vital role of programs like the Education for Homeless Children and Youth, there have been efforts to cut funding at the federal level, though Congress has so far rejected these proposals, opting to maintain current funding levels.
FAQs About Student Homelessness in Charlotte
- What defines a “homeless student” under McKinney-Vento?
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, a student is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes living in shelters, motels, cars, campgrounds, public places, or “doubled-up” with other families due to loss of housing or economic hardship. - Why is the number of homeless students rising in Charlotte?
The increase is attributed to a combination of factors: Charlotte’s escalating cost-of-living, rising rents, insufficient resources for eviction prevention, and better identification and reporting by school districts due to increased training and awareness facilitated by the NCDPI. - How does student homelessness affect a child’s education?
Homelessness creates significant barriers to education, including difficulty with school enrollment, attendance, transportation, academic performance, and social-emotional well-being. The McKinney-Vento Act aims to mitigate these challenges. - What is being done locally to address this issue?
Local organizations like Freedom Fighting Missionaries are working to assist homeless students and families. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has also identified housing for the unhoused as a top priority for the city. School districts are implementing enhanced identification strategies and support services as mandated by McKinney-Vento.
The rising numbers of homeless students underscore a critical need for continued community awareness, support for affordable housing initiatives, and robust funding for programs that protect the educational rights and well-being of every child in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.
Charlotte student homelessness crisis grows
