Ending Homelessness for Families, Children & Young Adults

by Terry Nash

Housing options abound for persons with means; however for families with moderate or low-income, such options are limited and for too many families that which is desirable is unattainable. Persons experiencing homelessness may feel they have no options at all. CHFA’s vision is that all low-and moderate-income residents of Connecticut live in an affordable, safe, quality house or apartment of their choice. We strive to expand housing options for all persons, particularly those who are homeless. Of growing concern is the number of persons in families, including children, young adults, and unaccompanied youth, that experience homelessness and debilitating housing instability.

Each year, every state counts its homeless population by conducting a Point in Time (PIT) count. In 2015, Connecticut’s PIT count results portrayed a decrease in overall homelessness of 9.1% over the prior year and a decrease in unsheltered homelessness in the same time frame by 31.9%. Additionally, Connecticut was recognized by the federal government as one of two states that effectively ended veteran homelessness. While these are laudable results, the PIT count reported that there were 20 chronically homeless families, including 17 families living in shelters and 3 families that were unsheltered as well as approximately 3,000 unaccompanied homeless youth. The crisis of homelessness remains as the PIT count showed that Family homelessness decreased only marginally.

Persons experiencing homelessness may feel they have no options at all.

In Connecticut, 11 unaccompanied children and 816 children in families were identified during the 2015 PIT count representing 20.3% of the total homeless population. Homelessness as a child has been identified as a predictor of homelessness as an adult, as well as a precursor to a host of other negative health and well-being outcomes. Prolonged negative experiences in childhood, such as lack of a home or stable living environment, or disconnection from a parent or a parent with addiction disorders or mental illness, and/or unrelenting family economic hardship can cause severe trauma. Trauma, or chronic stress in early childhood, can change brain architecture in a way that negatively impacts child development and ultimately thwarts a child’s highest potential.

Most recently, efforts in the state to provide housing opportunities for the lowest income households have prioritized those who are chronically homeless; fewer resources are available to assist vulnerable families and children. A pressing and urgent priority should be eradicating child and family homelessness and addressing the needs of young adults experiencing homelessness. One solution is to integrate supportive housing into mainstream housing developments. CHFA has been successful in this regard; however, though the capital is in place, funding for rental subsidies and service supports remains elusive. All creative options should be explored.

If we are to truly be successful in providing homes for all, which will in turn lead to greater personal and community stability and improved outcomes for families that experience homelessness and debilitating housing instability — including those families with children, young adults, and unaccompanied youth — housing supports must be secured.

Terry Nash manages special needs housing programs for the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority and focuses on ending homelessness.