According to Fact Sheet #10 published by the National Coalition for the Homeless, June 1999, homeless children are by the most accounts among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. Almost one quarter of homeless people in the United States are children, and they are their parents are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population, according to an article on a recent study of homeless children in shelters in Los Angeles County. Families with children constitute approximately 40% of people who become homeless (Shinn and Weitzman, 1996). A survey of 30 U.S. cities found that in 1998, children accounted for 25% of the urban homeless population and unaccompanied minors accounted for 3% of the urban homeless population (U.S. Conference of Majors, 1998). Homelessness, hunger, and health are major issues in the poverty of children in the United States.

             State young poverty rates range from under 12% in New Hampshire and Utah to 40% or more in Louisiana and West Virginia. The District of Columbia and seven states (California, New York, and Texas, plus Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and West Virginia) have young child poverty rates that significantly exceed the 1992-1996 national rate of 24.7%. Fifteen states have rates of poverty that are significantly lower than national rate.

             Extreme poverty among young children varies to an even greater extent across states. Eight states and the District of Columbia (including the large states of Florida, New York, and Texas) have extreme poverty rates that are significantly higher than U.S. average of 11.7 percent. Rates are significantly lower than the U.S. average in fifteen.

             The near poverty rate among young children ranges from less than 30% in Massachusetts and New Jersey to greater than 60% in Mississippi, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Eleven states including California, Florida, and Texas and the District of Columbia have near poverty rates that are significantly higher than the national average of 44.