Michigan lawmakers can pass simple, proven policies to help more than 36,000 students experiencing homelessness stay in school and succeed.
SEE THE UNSEEN: 36,000 MICHIGAN HOMELESS YOUTH
Take Action: Support Michigan Students Experiencing Homelessness
The Unseen Reality in Michigan
During the 2024–25 school year, Michigan public schools identified 36,555 students experiencing homelessness — in every region, rural and urban.
71.5% were “doubled up,” temporarily staying with others due to housing loss or financial hardship.
These students often go unidentified and unsupported. Students experiencing homelessness often lack stable housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and other basic necessities. These unmet needs create serious barriers to education, including:
- Missed days and disrupted learning
- Lower graduation rates
- Physical and mental health challenges
- Barriers to work, training, and opportunity
More on What’s at Stake for Michigan Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Access to state identification is not optional — it’s a necessity. Without a birth certificate or state ID, young people experiencing homelessness cannot get a job, enroll in job training or higher education, or apply for housing. Lack of access can also block youth from proving in-state residency for college tuition purposes and completing federal financial aid verification, potentially preventing access to higher education altogether. Yet obtaining these documents is often impossible without help from a school liaison, social worker, or another trusted adult.
Michigan already provides fee waivers for adults experiencing homelessness to obtain vital documents, but current eligibility rules rely on a narrower definition that excludes many youth. HB 5403 and HB 5471 would close that gap by aligning with the broader federal definition used in Michigan schools and Head Start, which recognizes temporary and doubled-up housing situations. They would also ensure school liaisons, counselors, social workers, and youth service providers can help verify eligibility and support youth in accessing these documents. These bills don’t create a new benefit — they ensure youth are not left out of one that already exists.
Getting an ID shouldn’t be so hard for homeless teens in Michigan | Opinion
A birth certificate. A state ID. For 36,000 homeless Michigan teens, having neither can mean no job, no housing, no college. State Rep. John Roth (R-Interlochen) makes the case for two bipartisan bills that would waive the fees and red tape blocking homeless youth from getting the documents they need to build independent lives. Here’s why he says it’s time for Michigan to act.
Take Action: Tell Your Representative to Support HB 5403 & HB 5471
🔍 Use this tool to find out who your State Representative is
Use our ☎️ phone script and 🧑💻 email template below!
📬 Share this page with colleagues, advocates, and community leaders.
🤝 Partner with SchoolHouse Connection to help every child and youth access opportunity. Contact us to get involved.
Use These Messages to Take Action
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent of Representative [Last Name]. Today, I’m calling to ask Representative [Last Name] to support legislation that helps students experiencing homelessness succeed. HB 5403 and HB 5471, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Carter and Rep. John Roth, which would provide youth experiencing homelessness access to birth certificates and state ID cards at no cost. Both bills are assigned to the House Government Operations Committee and have yet to have a committee hearing.
Youth experiencing homelessness often face significant barriers to obtaining birth certificates and state ID cards, due to both the cost and the challenges of securing documents. Yet access to identity documents is crucial for youth experiencing homelessness to obtain training, employment, housing, and other supports.
By removing barriers to employment and education, these bills help more young people enter the workforce and contribute to Michigan’s economy.
I urge Representative [Last Name] to support HB 5403 and HB 5471 and call on Committee Chair Brian BeGole and House Leadership to advance these bills. Thank you for your time and leadership on behalf of Michigan’s youth.
Subject: Please Support Students Experiencing Homelessness in Michigan, Call for Committee Hearing
Dear Representative [Last Name],
As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to support legislation that improves outcomes for students experiencing homelessness by improving access to vital documents.
HB 5403 and HB 5471, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Carter and Rep. John Roth would provide youth experiencing homelessness access to birth certificates and IDs at no cost. The bills are currently before the House Government Operations Committee and have yet to have a hearing. I urge you to contact Committee Chair Brian BeGole and House Leadership to begin progress on this important package.
Youth experiencing homelessness often face significant barriers to obtaining birth certificates and state IDs, due to both the cost and the challenges of securing documents while experiencing housing instability. Yet access to identity documents, such as birth certificates and IDs, is crucial for youth experiencing homelessness to obtain training, employment, higher education, housing, and other supports.
Michigan already provides a fee waiver aimed at adults experiencing homelessness; these bills ensure youth are not left out. By removing barriers to employment and education, these bills help more young people enter the workforce and contribute to Michigan’s economy.
Please support our Michigan’s homeless youth by contacting Chair BeGole and House Leadership to advance this important legislation. Thank you for your time and commitment to helping every Michigan student have the opportunity to thrive.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Title/Organization, if applicable]
[Your Contact Information]
Michigan benefits when every young person has the opportunity to thrive. These low-cost, high-impact bills would remove a key barrier to self-sufficiency — reducing unemployment, supporting economic growth, and giving more young people the tools they need to succeed.