A Landmark Moment for Babies and Toddlers
On February 16, 2012, ZERO TO THREE helped bring the urgent needs of homeless infants and toddlers to Capitol Hill. This first-of-its-kind congressional briefing put a national spotlight on the youngest children experiencing homelessness and the lifelong impact it can have.
The Science Is Clear
Healthy brain development depends on stable, nurturing relationships. When families lack secure housing, these bonds are harder to maintain. But early, targeted support can protect children’s development and help them thrive.
Solutions That Work
Experts at the briefing shared proven approaches:
- Early Head Start programs tailored for homeless families
- Home visiting to strengthen parent–child relationships
- Coordinated housing and support services to meet complex family needs
When families receive these supports, children’s health, behavior, and learning outcomes improve, creating stronger futures.
A Call to Action
The message from the briefing was clear: ending early childhood homelessness is possible if we invest in strong early relationships and coordinated support for families.
Watch to see how leaders, advocates, and communities can come together to ensure that every baby has a safe place to call home and the opportunity to thrive.
