As Michigan emerges from the pandemic, a stark reality persists: housing instability plagues many children and youth.
In the 2021-22 school year, Michigan’s public schools identified 28,724 students experiencing homelessness, nearly 3,800 of whom were unaccompanied youth, based on a report from Ending Homelessness in Michigan. Homeless youths needs extends beyond education; these youth face heightened health risks. They’re five times more likely to attempt suicide, four times more likely to misuse prescription pain medicine, and three times more likely to face sexual coercion. Shockingly, they’re 11 times more likely to experience pregnancy.
Despite greater health needs, only 37.2% of homeless youth received medical attention compared to 75.7% of housed peers. Addressing this crisis demands statewide policy alignment, innovation, and local outreach to protect vulnerable youth, especially those marginalized due to disability, LGBTQ+ identity, or race.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
