Lack of affordable housing and long waiting lists for assisted housing mean that many women are forced to choose between abuse and the streets. These illnesses have potentially devastating consequences if not treated early. School-age homeless children face barriers to enrolling and attending school, including transportation problems, residency requirements, inability to obtain previous school records, and lack of clothing and school supplies. Parents also suffer the ill effects of homelessness and poverty. In both groups, over one-third of the sample had a chronic health condition.
Homelessness frequently breaks up families.
Families may be separated as a result of shelter policies which deny access to older boys or fathers. Separations may also be caused by placement of children into foster care when their parents become homeless. In addition, parents may leave their children with relatives and friends in order to save them from the ordeal of homelessness or to permit them to continue attending their regular school. In order to work, families with children need access to quality child care that they can afford, and adequate transportation. Education and training are also essential elements in preparing parents for better paying jobs to support their families.