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.50 YEARS OF....
Advocating on behalf of students in temporary housing
There are over 100,000 students in NYC who experience homelessness each year. That's more than 1 out of every 10 students.
As Advocates for Children of New York celebrates 50 years of advocacy, we're looking back on our work protecting and promoting the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness. For decades, we've continued to sound the alarm on the unique needs and educational challenges this group of students face, with targeted supports and policy advocacy to help break the cycle of homelessness.
1989
,CHALLENGING THE SYSTEM. In the late 1980s and early 90s, AFC released a series of reports bringing much-needed attention to the issue of youth homelessness, and its impact on their educational outcomes.
2005
,DEVELOPING CAPACITY. For 16 years, AFC operated NYS-TEACHS, the statewide homeless education technical assistance center, providing training and support for school districts across the state to improve education outcomes for students experiencing homelessness.
2018
,SOUNDING ALARMS. For the past five years, we've released an annual report on the number of students experiencing homelessness, to make sure that every New Yorker — and every elected official — is aware of just how immense and personal this problem is.
2021
,PARTNERING WITH SHELTERS. This year, AFC is proud to announce a new project. Project LIT — Learners in Temporary Housing — will partner directly with NYC shelters to help improve attendance, school stability, and access to educational opportunities for the 30,000+ NYC students who reside in shelters each year.
Although we have a long way to go, we've seen the results of our advocacy. In the years since we began calling public attention to the challenges faced by NYC's homeless students:
  • The DOE has expanded and professionalized supports for these students
  • Hundreds of “Bridging the Gap” social workers and community coordinators have been placed in schools with high numbers of students who are homeless
  • After-school reading programs have been introduced at certain NYC shelters
  • Yellow bus service has been guaranteed for K-6th grade students living in shelter, and more.
With an influx of federal funding and the transition to a new NYC administration, our targeted advocacy — grounded in the lived experiences of families — could have a positive impact for years to come. We're grateful for your support and excited to continue to partner with you at this pivotal moment for the education of students in temporary housing.
Want to learn more? Sign up for AFC's quarterly Project LIT newsletter, with news and resources for professionals working with families experiencing homelessness: