FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:​ November 18, 2020

Contact:​ fhc@berlinrosen.com

Homelessness Advocates to NYC: As Schools Close, Do

Not Forget About Homeless Children
114,000 Homeless Children at High Risk of Falling Behind as Schools Go Remote

NEW YORK CITY –​ Today, the​ ​Family Homelessness Coalition​ released the following
statement in response to New York City's announcement that public schools will close due to
COVID-19 infection rates:

"For the 114,000 homeless children in New York City, school closures aren't just frustrating --
they are a danger to their well-being. For a child living in shelter, temporary housing, or doubled
up, remote learning is hardly an option. Many lack basic necessities like Wi-Fi access, a working
tablet or even physical space to study and learn. New York City cannot stand idly by as our
most vulnerable children fall even further behind, spiraling deeper into a cycle of poverty. City
officials must act expeditiously to give homeless children a fighting chance at making it through
the school year. Now is the time to set up hotspots at the community level in close proximity to
all family shelters, increase access to Learning Labs, and expand education resources for
children struggling to learn in temporary housing. Every child has a fundamental right to an
education. Our city's homeless and housing insecure children are no exception."

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The Family Homelessness Coalition (FHC)​ is composed of 16 organizations representing

service and housing providers and children’s advocacy organizations including WIN, Advocates
for Children and Coalition For The Homeless. FHC is united by the goal of launching a
coordinated, collaborative, multi-agency effort focused on preventing family homelessness,
improving the well-being of children and families in shelters, and supporting the long-term
stability of families with children who leave shelters.