Common Signs of Homelessness

Lack of Continuity in Education
• Attendance at many different schools
• Lack of records needed for enrollment
• Gaps in skill development

Poor Health/Nutrition
• Lack of immunizations and/or immunization records
• Unmet medical and dental needs
• Chronic hunger (may hoard food)
• Fatigue (may fall asleep in class)

Transportation and Attendance Problems
• Erratic attendance or tardiness
• Inability to contact parents
• Numerous absences
• Avoidance of class field trips

Poor Hygiene
• Wearing the same clothes for several days
• Lack of shower facility or washers to stay clean

Not Ready for Class
• Lack of basic school supplies
• Concern for the safety of belongings
• Incomplete or missing homework

Social and Behavioral Cues
• Change in behavior
• “Old” beyond years
• Protective of parents
• Poor/short attention span
• Poor self-esteem
• Difficulty or avoidance of making friends
• Difficulty trusting people
• Need for immediate gratification

Reactions/Statements by Parent, Guardian, or Child
• Anger or embarrassment when asked about current address
• Mention of staying with grandparents, other relatives, friends, or in a motel
• Comments such as:

• “I don’t remember the name of my previous school.”
• “We’ve been moving around a lot.”
• “Our address is new; I can’t remember it” (may hide lack of a permanent address).
• “We’re going through a bad time right now.”

Note: These are general guidelines. There is significant variability among the school-age homeless population.
Warning signs adapted from flyers developed by the Illinois and Pennsylvania Departments of Education.

For additional information, please contact: Ms. Catherine Hardman by e-mail or by calling (909) 386-2644