RICHMOND, TX. (November 2, 2020) – November was first declared as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month in 2007. Since then, November has been a time to acknowledge those children and families experiencing homelessness. What does that look like in Fort Bend County? Approximately 2% of all students in Fort Bend County are experiencing some form of homelessness. Potentially, over 7,000 children are in some way affected by homelessness right here in Fort Bend County.
Along with losing their home, community, friends, and routines as well as their sense of stability and safety, many homeless youth are also victims of trauma. While trying to survive on the streets, youth are exposed to countless dangers, with an increased likelihood of substance abuse, early parenthood, impulsivity, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and a vulnerability to being trafficked.
School District |
Total Enrollment |
Students Living in a Shelter |
Students Living Unsheltered |
Literal Homelessness |
Students Living Doubled-Up/Unsuitable Housing |
Students Living in a Hotel/Motel |
Percent of enrollment experiencing homelessness |
Fort Bend ISD |
75275 |
Data not available |
Data not available |
0 |
1091 |
180 |
2% |
Lamar Consolidated ISD |
32146 |
Data not available |
Data not available |
0 |
419 |
114 |
2% |
Stafford MSD |
3607 |
Data not available |
Data not available |
0 |
88 |
15 |
3% |
Katy ISD |
77522 |
274 |
61 |
335 |
2496 |
408 |
5% |
Alief ISD |
46263 |
152 |
42 |
194 |
797 |
77 |
3% |
Needville ISD |
3228 |
Data not available |
Data not available |
Data not available |
Data not available |
Data not available |
0% |
Table 1: Based on the 2017-2018 School Year; Source: https://www.homelesshouston.org/houston-facts-info#ReportsandData
As the only non-profit, emergency shelter, in Fort Bend County, Parks Youth Ranch provides counseling and life changing services to youth who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness. The majority of the residents at the Ranch are teens who have been victims of emotional and physical trauma. Our shelter provides a temporary home for up to 28 youth. While they live at our facility, we provide them with all their basic needs: their own bed, age appropriate and properly fitting clothing, food, personal care products, educational support and on-site counseling. Parks Youth Ranch provides these youth a Home for Today, Hope for Tomorrow.
You can learn more about Parks Youth Ranch and support our mission by joining us for the 9th annual Cowboy Up to be held Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 7 – 8 pm virtually! Cowboy Up will feature emcee George Lindsey from 100.3 The Bull, luxury and silent auctions, raffles and a spirit pull. Put on your PJs and enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your home. Register for your free ticket at pyr.givesmart.com. For more information on how you can get involved visit www.parksyouthranch.org.