Unhoused & Unheard: How Homelessness Impacts Moms and Kids

Recently, my work focus shifted towards addressing Housing and Homelessness. This issue is particularly important to me because I've faced challenges with securing affordable rent and have recently experienced displacement. I wanted to share how I advocated for myself and my children, letting you know that everything is going to be ok.

The Impact of Homelessness on Mothers and Available Resources

Being without shelter and security is frightening as a mom of 3.  Facing eviction is horrible, bringing anxiety and uncertainty.  Homelessness is a pervasive issue that affects many individuals and families. Still, mothers experiencing homelessness face unique challenges that can have profound impacts on their well-being and that of their children.   From unsafe shelters to sleeping on the street, rapes, assaults, it’s all too much to handle.  Understanding these challenges and the resources available to support them is crucial to the homeless crisis that families and America are facing.

The Challenges Faced by Homeless Mothers

Being homeless and a woman is hard enough, and adding to that being a mom? Wow.  Recently, I had a change in careers to working with housing and the homeless, and realized that moms need a voice, too. I have been homeless before, from sleeping in my car, on the floor of a friend’s house with my infant, to parking at the Berkeley Marina, thinking it was safe, and none of it was.  The only safe place I had was the one I created.  Not a person or place I could trust, so I can only imagine how moms feel when trying to seek refuge in a shelter, their car, a tent, or even on the street, as many of us lie down in a warm bed we have taken for granted. Evictions add to another layer of difficulty, leading to legal, financial, and emotional strain.  Emotional and Mental Health Struggles appear due to anxiety of the unknown and uncertainty, and the stress of trying to figure it out alone, with no help or resources.  The isolation and stigma associated with homelessness can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and depression.  Not only do mothers deal with homelessness, but mothers also face a housing crisis in terms of evictions that take an emotional toll because the process is traumatic, causing feelings of shame, fear, and helplessness, followed by immediate displacement.  Homeless mothers and their children are at a higher risk of experiencing violence and exploitation, as Shelters and temporary housing may not always provide a safe and secure environment.

Impact on Children:

Children experiencing homelessness may exhibit emotional, behavioral, and educational problems due to the trauma and instability they face.  According to the National Center for Homeless Education, over 1.5 million children in the United States were identified as homeless during the 2019-2020 school year (NCHE, 2021).

Homeless children may miss school, fall behind academically, and struggle with concentration and learning. Frequent moves and a lack of stability can disrupt their education, leading to academic difficulties and developmental delays. Homeless children are 87% more likely to drop out of school compared to their housed peers (National Network for Youth, 2020). 

The uncertainty and instability of homelessness can cause significant emotional and psychological stress. Studies show that homeless children are twice as likely to experience anxiety, depression, and trauma, which can affect their overall mental health (American Psychological Association, 2019). Homelessness presents significant challenges for mothers, impacting their physical and psychological health, their children's well-being, and their overall sense of security.  These challenges highlight the urgent need for targeted support and resources to help homeless children thrive.

Resources That Matter: Supporting Unhoused Mothers

How do you overcome some of the challenges you face when you are poor and underrepresented? Facing poverty and underrepresentation comes with daily challenges that deserve visibility, not silence. It costs to be poor, I have learned. One powerful tool? Documentation—capture your experiences in emails, letters, or photos so you have a clear record of what you've endured. This can be vital when seeking legal protection or services.

Advocate for yourself with courage and through tenant rights, and don’t hesitate to pursue legal counsel and community support. You're not alone—and your story has the power to inspire change and demand accountability.

Here are trusted organizations offering support to help families rebuild and thrive:

Mental Health & Emotional Support

Family Paths Parenting Stress Helpline   Available 24/7 to listen, support, and guide parents through overwhelming times. Phone: 1-800-829-3777

Housing Navigation

Coordinated Entry Points (CEPs)   Your first step toward emergency housing, shelter referrals, and case management.

• Alameda County Housing & Community Development: 1-510-670-5404

• 2-1-1 Alameda County: Call 2-1-1 from any phone

Education Access

McKinney-Vento Act Protections   Guarantees homeless children the right to stay in school, receive transportation, and get free meals.

• National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) 

•  Phone: 1-800-308-2145 Website: homeless@serve.org

Food & Basic Assistance

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)   Provides financial support, food, and job readiness services.

• Office of Family Assistance (OFA)  Phone: 1-877-696-6775

Healthcare Connections

Alameda County Public Health Department: Your local resource for immunizations, checkups, and family health support. Phone: 1-510-267-8000

Legal Advocacy

East Bay Community Law Center (EBCLC)   Free legal services for housing, public benefits, and tenant rights—because every mom deserves protection.

Address: 1950 University Avenue, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA Phone: (510) 548-4040

Email: info@ebclc.org Website: www.ebclc.org