Evictions in the United States have reached crisis levels, disproportionately affecting families with young children, according to recent studies. As housing costs rise and wages stagnate, millions of households find themselves on the brink of homelessness, with children bearing the brunt of the crisis.
The Scope of the Problem
Data from the Eviction Lab at Princeton University shows that approximately 3.6 million eviction cases are filed each year. Families with children, particularly those headed by single parents, are among the most vulnerable. Nearly 1 in 2 renters with children under six years old report spending more than 30% of their income on housing, a threshold considered unsustainable by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“Young children are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of housing instability,” says Dr. Monica Lopez, a pediatrician specializing in social determinants of health. “Eviction disrupts their schooling, damages their health, and increases their risk of entering the foster care system.”
Why Families with Young Children Are at Greater Risk
Landlords are often less willing to rent to families with young children, citing concerns about noise, potential damage, or liability. Additionally, parents with young children often face higher childcare costs, which further strain limited household budgets. A recent report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition highlighted that families with children are evicted at significantly higher rates than other groups.
The Human Cost of Eviction
For children, the impacts of eviction are profound and lasting. Research has linked housing instability to developmental delays, chronic stress, and poor academic performance. “When families are evicted, children lose their sense of security,” explains Sarah Nguyen, a housing advocate with the nonprofit organization Shelter Strong. “They often experience anxiety and depression, which can persist into adulthood.”
Potential Solutions
Advocates argue that addressing the eviction crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Increasing the supply of affordable housing, expanding rental assistance programs, and enforcing anti-discrimination laws are critical steps. Several states have implemented eviction diversion programs, which provide mediation services and financial assistance to help families stay in their homes.
Federal initiatives, such as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, have provided temporary relief but are insufficient to address the systemic issues driving the crisis. “We need long-term policy changes that prioritize housing as a human right,” says Lopez.
A Call to Action
The stakes are high for America’s youngest citizens. As policymakers grapple with solutions, families continue to face the devastating reality of eviction. Without immediate action, millions of children will remain at risk, perpetuating cycles of poverty and instability.