A new, peer-reviewed study linked evictions and housing insecurity to mental health problems in children, something Central Florida nonprofits said is increasing.
The Journal of the American Medical Association’s publication called housing loss a “pressing public health concern.”
In 2023, the Central Florida region saw a 10-year record-high number of eviction filings, and Florida ranked seventh nationally for the most cases against families with children.
Evictions can lead to homelessness and make it harder to get out of it. A history of evictions makes it nearly impossible for individuals to rent or get a lease again. Evictions also make people ineligible for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, better known as Section 8.
In the last two years, Central Florida has seen record-high eviction case filings, the area's homelessness count has more than doubled, and school districts have reported increases in the number of children experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Families with children are one of the fastest growing groups of people experiencing housing emergencies in the U.S. According to Christ Is The Answer, or CITA, a homeless services organization in Brevard County, approximately 85% of homeless families in Florida are headed by women, and 51% of their children are under the age of 5.
Service organizations like Family Promise of Brevard are feeling the impact of these numbers. FPB is a nonprofit with core programs focusing on prevention, shelter, stabilization, and other services for families experiencing homelessness.
Program Director Mike Hoenick said ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, their office has been busier than ever. They get to see how housing insecurity can hurt children and potentially their futures.
“When parents are worried about how they're going to pay their basic bills, the rent, mortgage, utilities, or if they've actually become evicted, kids are directly impacted by this stress and instability. Children experiencing homelessness can have poor school performance, social isolation, and increase needs for mental health support due to anxiety or inability to focus,” Hoenick said.
Hoenick said housing issues can affect children’s school performance and social interactions, which could lead to future self-destructive or criminal behaviors, such as substance use disorder or self-harm. Housing instability can also threaten a child's safety and cost parents more money than rent, such as when families pay to stay in hotels long-term. He said early early intervention is key and has proven effective.
“We have a 97% success rate of families exiting our programming into stable housing. We are doing our best to impact families and children directly by providing financial assistance and case management services, so families can stabilize and children can have positive mental health impacts and positive school impacts,” he said.
Hoenick said the organization welcomes community help and involvement. He said families in need of assistance, including counseling, housing, or financial aid, can visit their website for more information and connection to resources.
Lillian Hernández Caraballo is a Report for America corps member.
