Why Family Homelessness Increases During the Summer Months
- Katrina Bostick
- 57 minutes ago
- 1 min read
As the school year ends and summer begins, many families look forward to vacations and quality time together. But for families experiencing poverty or housing insecurity, summer often brings heightened stress and uncertainty. At Family Promise of the Coastal Empire, we consistently see an increase in family homelessness during the warmer months—and here’s why.
During the school year, many families rely on public schools not just for education, but also for essential services like free or reduced meals, after-school care, and access to social workers. When schools close for the summer, these vital safety nets disappear. Without these supports, families struggling to make ends meet can quickly fall into crisis.
Summer also brings increased childcare costs. Parents who depend on school to watch their children during the day suddenly must find and afford summer care, often while juggling multiple jobs or unstable work schedules. This added financial burden can lead to difficult decisions between paying rent, utilities, or childcare.
The rise in utility bills from higher temperatures is another factor. Air conditioning becomes a necessity in our region, not a luxury—especially for families with young children. For those already living paycheck to paycheck, a spike in energy costs can be devastating.
At Family Promise, we’re committed to preventing homelessness before it starts. With community support, we provide shelter, case management, and prevention services to help families stay housed and stable—no matter the season. Summer should be a time of hope, not hardship. Let’s work together to make that a reality.