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NYC Student Homelessness Hits Record 154,000 in 2024–25

Advocates say the surge reflects a deepening housing crisis requiring a coordinated, mayor-led response.

Overview

  • Nearly 1 in 7 public school students lacked stable housing last year, with 42% in shelters, 53% doubled up, and about 5% unsheltered or in cars or hotels.
  • Students in shelters faced severe educational hurdles, including roughly two-thirds chronically absent, only 22% proficient on state tests, a 1-in-8 dropout rate, and a 62% four-year graduation rate.
  • Rates were highest in the Bronx at about 17%, with more than one in five students identified as homeless in districts such as East Harlem, Highbridge/Grand Concourse, Brownsville, and Bushwick.
  • City officials cite expanded supports—over 350 dedicated staff, shelter-based coordinators, social workers, transportation and enrollment help, and a 2023 funding formula weight—plus ongoing cross-agency efforts.
  • Advocates urge closer shelter placements to schools, faster bus routing and transportation fixes, targeted state funding changes, and stronger interagency coordination led by the next mayor.