We find that, on average, Allegheny County schools identify students experiencing homelessness relative to student poverty at below the national average. Rates of identification vary widely across Allegheny County school districts, with many identifying at less than half the national rate, while others exceeded the national rate. This variation provides an opportunity for school districts with lower rates of identification to turn to their higher-identifying neighbors to understand best practices and strategies.
The brief also examines how student homelessness rates in Allegheny County charter schools compare to school districts, mid-year changes in enrollment of students experiencing homelessness, and changes in the county’s student homelessness population over time.