Children living in poverty often lack access to essential resources and support needed to succeed academically.

The location and condition of a child’s home plays a significant role in their physical, cognitive and emotional development and well-being, which impacts their education through improved attendance, better cognitive and behavioral health, and improved academic achievement (Greater Matthew Habitat for Humanity).The achievement gap in education refers to the observable disparity in academic performance between groups of students, most often divided by socioeconomic status, race, or housing stability. Tragically, the students who were already furthest behind have fallen further behind. The gaps between the lowest- and highest-achieving students are growing wider, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP, 2024). 

Alongside this, the opportunity gap focuses on the uneven access to resources and supports that are critical for academic success, such as safe and stable home environments. At the heart of both gaps is a socioeconomic problem that has evolved over time, heavily influenced by access to safe, affordable and stable housing.

I. Stable Housing is crucial for a child’s educational success

Students who experience housing instability—whether due to frequent moves, evictions, or homelessness—have high rates of absenteeism, school transfers, and lower academic performance, creating significant barriers to a child’s education.

The absence of a secure home environment disrupts essential routines, negatively affecting the psychological and cognitive processes needed to succeed in academic settings. The constant stress and uncertainty can impair their studies and engagements in meaningful learning experiences.By age 5, children living in poverty often show a significant difference in cognitive skills compared to their wealthier peers (Billard Brief, 2022). The broader issue, however, is the cyclical relationship between housing insecurity and educational failure. Housing instability limits a child’s ability to focus on learning, contributing to poor academic performance, which in turn perpetuates the cycle of poverty (Child Trends, 2024). 

Stable housing provides a foundation not only for day-to-day survival but also for educational and professional development. Without it, students are often unable to achieve the levels of success seen in their peers who live in secure, affordable housing. The challenges posed by housing instability significantly increase the likelihood of students dropping out of high school, limiting their access to higher education and well paying jobs. Children from families with a history of low income are 36% less likely to attend college, perpetuating the cycle of poverty across generations (Greater Matthew Habitat for Humanity). This report aims to explore the intersection between housing and education, investigating how housing insecurity exacerbates the achievement gap and highlighting policy solutions aimed at breaking this cycle. 

II. The Educational Impact of Housing Instability

Housing instability is not just a social or economic issue—it is deeply tied to educational outcomes. When children live in unstable housing conditions, they are subject to frequent disruptions that directly impede their ability to succeed in school. 

Absenteeism

Students experiencing housing instability are more likely to miss school frequently. Whether due to the need to move, lack of transportation, or stress caused by housing insecurity, absenteeism rates are significantly higher among children from low-income, unstable housing backgrounds. In the 2022-23 school year, at least 20% of students were chronically absent in 36 out of 42 states and Washington, D.C. (CPRE, 2024), with 50,000 students still missing from any U.S. school as of Fall 2022 (CRPE, 2024). According to (JESPAR, 2018), students of color, those in poverty, and students with disabilities experience even higher rates of chronic absenteeism compared to their white, more economically advantaged, and non-disabled friends. Studies show that this absenteeism results in significant learning gaps, with students unable to keep up with their peers. The longer students are absent, the harder it becomes for them to catch up, and the gaps in their learning widen over time.These gaps are not just about missing a particular lesson but also impact a child’s overall cognitive and socio-economic development (JESPAR, 2018). 

Frequent School Transfers and Disruptions

Changing schools frequently negatively impacts academic performance.Housing instability often forces families to move from one temporary solution to another, resulting in frequent school changes.These moves, driven by financial strain and housing insecurity, disrupt children’s education and hinder their chances of attending higher-performing schools (HUD, 2014).  Each time a student transfers to a new school, they are faced with the challenge of adapting to new curricula, classmates, and teachers. Notably, 55% of families involved in the Making Connections Initiative changed residences between the study periods, highlighting the prevalence of the issue. This high rate of residential mobility translated into frequent school changes, with 78% of students switching schools between the periods (HUD, 2014). These statistics illustrate the scale of the problem, highlighting how unstable housing situations often force families into a cycle of moves, directly impacting children’s educational stability. This constant shifting also impacts their social development, which is closely tied to academic success. Academically, students face the constant burden of adapting to new curricula, teaching styles, and academic expectations. Socially and emotionally, frequent moves disrupt children’s ability to form and maintain stable relationships with peers and teachers, essential for a sense of belonging and wellbeing. The lack of social support can lead to isolation, disengagement from school and an increased risk of dropping out (JESPAR, 2018). 

Lower Test Scores and Graduation Rates

Housing instability has been directly linked to lower performance on standardized tests. For students in unstable housing, test scores tend to fall well below the average of their peers who live in stable environments. The stress of housing insecurity can negatively impact cognitive function and academic performance, and the instability itself leads to frequent school changes which further disrupt learning which in turn lead to lower test scores and increased likelihood to drop out of school (Ballard Brief, 2022) (Economic Policy institute, 2017) (HUD, 2014). Additionally, the increased likelihood of dropping out for students facing homelessness or frequent moves contributes to the long-term perpetuation of poverty. Children from low-income backgrounds are 36% less likely to attend college, which perpetuates the poverty cycle across generations (Greater Matthew Habitat for Humanity). 

This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the challenges of attending school while experiencing housing instability, the academic and social emotional difficulties associated with frequent school changes, and the sense of hopelessness that can accompany poverty and instability (Billard Brief, 2022). A lack of high school diploma limits future employment opportunities, thus trapping families in a cycle of instability. Without stable income, families struggle to afford safe and stable housing, further disrupting their children’s education and perpetuating a cycle of poverty that can be difficult to break (Economic Policy institute, 2017) (Billard Brief, 2022).

Psychological Impact

Stable housing provides students with a sense of security, offering a safe and supportive environment that fosters emotional well-being, boosts self-confidence, and enhances motivation to engage in academic pursuits. When students experience housing stability, they are less likely to face the stress of frequent moves, overcrowding, or unsafe living conditions, which significantly contributes to their ability to focus on learning. A lack of housing stability, however, has been linked to high levels of mental health concerns. Chronically absent students, who are disproportionately impacted by housing instability, are three to four times more likely to experience mental health challenges than their peers with stable housing (CRPE, 2024) . Moreover, low-income students, who are more likely to face housing insecurity, also exhibit greater mental health service needs. However, these students are five times more likely to seek mental health services if offered, but are often in schools that are less equipped to provide these resources (CPRE, 2024) .

Cognitive Development

Housing instability directly disrupts a child’s ability to focus and engage in learning, as constant moves and the stress of uncertain living conditions undermine cognitive development. This disruption is particularly harmful in early childhood, where foundational cognitive skills are being developed. Research has shown that by the time children reach age 5, those living in poverty demonstrate significantly lower cognitive abilities compared to their wealthier counterparts (Billard Brief, 2022). The effects of prolonged or acute hardship in early childhood can have lasting consequences on brain development, affecting cognitive and emotional growth. In 2019, over 1 million children under the age of 5 experienced homelessness, a critical period where the impact of housing instability on brain development is most pronounced (Family Connection, 2022). This evidence highlights the importance of stable housing for cognitive growth, particularly in the formative years.

III. Exploring the Critical Connection Between Housing Stability and Educational Success

The inextricable link between housing stability and education is well-established. Stable, safe, and affordable housing lays the foundation for regular school attendance, mental well-being, and cognitive development. Students in stable housing are more likely to attend school consistently, excel academically, and successfully complete their education.

Stable Housing as a Key Factor for Educational Success

A stable home environment allows children to shift their focus from day-to-day survival to long-term personal and academic growth. Consistent housing stability creates a routine that supports mental health and reduces the stress associated with uncertainty. A child who has a safe space to return to each day is more likely to engage in their education, benefiting from uninterrupted learning and the psychological safety necessary for cognitive development (US Department of Education, 2024).

Case Studies: Housing Assistance and Academic Performance

Numerous studies have shown the positive impact of affordable housing programs on student performance. Students in unstable housing often change schools frequently, interrupting their education and hindering their academic success. Children who are not constantly moving and changing schools are better able to engage with their studies and develop a strong foundation of knowledge. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s report on worst case housing needs identified more than 5 million children younger than 18 living in households who are “at or below 50 percent of area median income and paying more than one-half of their income toward rent, living in severely inadequate conditions, or both  (Urban Institute, 2024) . By lowering families’ rent to 30 percent of their income and requiring that housing meet minimum quality standards, housing assistance also reduces housing-related problems that can impair children’s academic achievement, including overcrowding and homelessness (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2017. Researchers found that children under age 13 living in families that used a housing voucher to move to a lower-poverty neighborhood from a public housing development were 32 percent more likely to attend college and earned 31 percent (nearly $3,500) more per year as young adults than their counterparts in families that did not receive a voucher (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2017).

IV. Policy Solutions and the Role of Housing in Closing the Achievement Gap

The Opportunity Starts at Home campaign has long advocated for increased access to affordable housing as a crucial component in closing the achievement gap. Integrating housing policy with education reforms are crucial to address the root causes of educational inequity and improve educational outcomes for children, especially for particular demographic groups. Among families using vouchers, poor Black children were twice as likely, and poor Hispanic children were 36 percent more likely, to live in low-poverty neighborhoods in 2017 than poor Black and Hispanic children overall (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2017).

Affordable Housing Programs: A Foundation for Educational Stability

Expanding affordable housing programs is key to reducing housing instability for families with low-incomes. Housing Choice Vouchers, for example, provide financial assistance to help low-income families secure safe housing in neighborhoods with better educational opportunities (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2017). Such programs are essential in breaking the cycle of poverty, by enabling families to move to neighborhoods with greater opportunities, giving children the stability needed to focus on their academic progress, attend school consistently and access better educational opportunities. Living in public housing has been linked to a lower likelihood of children repeating a grade, while housing vouchers have been associated with improved test scores, though not solely due to school attendance (Currie and Yelowitz (2000; Schwartz et al. (2020). 

The Eviction Crisis Act’s Role in Preventing Student Displacement

Evictions disrupt children’s education by forcing school changes. Legislation like the Eviction Crisis Act helps prevent this by keeping families stable and children in their current schools, avoiding the academic and social disruptions caused by frequent moves (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2017). Long-term impacts of evictions on families include financial hardships, difficulty securing future housing, and negative effects on children’s well being. These consequences can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and instability that hinders children’s educational attainment and economic mobility.

Long-Term Solutions and Interconnected Policies

Addressing the intersection of housing and education requires a comprehensive approach. A study on rental assistance and student achievement in Wisconsin found that the positive impact on math scores was limited to recipients of housing choice vouchers (Carlson et al. 2019). Collaboration among housing authorities, schools, and local governments is vital to aligning housing policies with education reforms, fostering equity and support for families. By providing stable housing and addressing racial and economic disparities, long-term solutions can be developed to close the achievement gap. In addition, a recent well-known housing study found that housing vouchers that help families with low incomes move to less poor neighborhoods before children turn 13 raise the earnings of these children by 31 percent when they reach adulthood (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2017).  Policies and programs must actively address these disparities by promoting equitable access to resources, combating discriminatory practices, and providing targeted support services for marginalized communities (EdNC, 2024). This includes investing in school quality in disadvantaged neighborhoods and providing wrap-around services for families in need (Ballard Brief, 2022) (Economic Policy institute, 2017).

V. Conclusion

Housing instability plays a significant role in perpetuating the achievement gap in education, particularly for families with low-incomes. The connection between stable housing and academic success is clear—without a secure home environment, students face numerous challenges that hinder their academic success. For example, frequent moves disrupt their education (HUD, 2014), unstable living conditions negatively impact their health and well-being (Child Trends, 2024), and financial strain associated with housing insecurity limits their access to resources that support learning (US Department of Education, 2024). 

Stable, affordable housing is an essential component of addressing educational inequities. The Opportunity Starts at Home campaign’s policy agenda advocates for expanding housing programs and integrating housing and education policies and offers a framework for closing the achievement gap. Continued advocacy for both affordable housing and comprehensive education reforms is essential to creating lasting change for families with low incomes and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed.

VI. The Path Forward

The widening achievement gaps, driven by faster recovery in wealthier districts, highlight the growing disparities in educational outcomes for low-income students (Center for Education Policy Research, 2024) . To close the achievement gap, society must address both housing instability and educational inequity together. Advocating for policies that support affordable housing and integrate these with educational reforms will create a more equitable future for all children.

This report highlights the undeniable link between housing and educational outcomes, calling for collaborative efforts to provide stable environments where students can thrive.

 

Authored by Tara Miller, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign Intern