A variety of community agencies, organizations and educational institutions are hosting seminars, workshops and public awareness campaigns related to affordable housing. Housing is just one of many challenges which will be faced by families transitioning off welfare in the next few years. Children who are without stable housing are at a distinct disadvantage in school. This may take on greater importance with the emphasis on high stakes testing. The mental health of both children and adults who live in unstable housing is at much greater risk than those who life in safe, secure housing.
High stress can lead to disrupted parenting and even family violence.
In addition to the stress divorce itself places on children, the divorce of their parents may require children to change schools and live in unfamiliar environments. Deconcentration of poverty policies have a mixed impact on families. But more families are either unable, or unwilling, to move from the concentrated poverty areas in which they reside and leave the services and relationships they have come to rely on. Emergency shelters report that families return over and over because they are not able to find housing. Living in vehicles, out of doors, or with family or friends are often short-term options between stays at shelters.