Invisible Scholars

In the United States, every year, there are approximately 1.3 million students who experience homelessness, an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Homelessness among students has a significant impact on their academic performance, mental health, and behavior. Factors like higher absenteeism, constant movement, and lack of support can all contribute to decreased academic achievement. Ultimately, this leads to students having to repeat grades or not graduating high school, compromising their abilities to succeed in the future. In addition to the decrease in academic achievement, behavioral and mental challenges exacerbated by the stress of housing instability also affect the student’s development. In Macon, Georgia, there are currently five hundred students aged six to seventeen who lack stable housing. These students have access to assistance through programs like the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and Rapid Rehousing. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act helps students to have access to school and stay in school, while Rapid Rehousing aims to provide housing resources for students and their families. However, these programs have differing definitions of homelessness that lead to gaps in how many students are able to receive housing support. In downtown Macon, there is an urban renewal occurring aimed at bringing more life downtown. This, along with social and community services, influenced the decision to create a space for homeless students right in the heart of Macon. The aim of my thesis is to connect these students with resources and the community, as well as provide them with stability in their most developmental years.