Child Homelessness in Tennessee: A Growing Concern with Long-Term Impacts
Child homelessness in Tennessee is a pressing issue, with significant impacts on education, health, and future economic prospects. According to the latest Kids Count Data Book, Tennessee ranks 37th in overall child wellbeing and 42nd in economic wellbeing. The state has seen a decline in economic conditions for children, with 459,000 kids living in households with a high housing cost burden. During the 2023-2024 school year, over 1.5 million children nationwide experienced homelessness, with Nashville reporting more than 4,500 homeless students. The McKinney-Vento Act defines homelessness broadly, including children living in shared housing, motels, or shelters. This broader definition highlights the hidden nature of child homelessness, which is often not captured in federal data. 
