The Hidden Struggles of Children Living in Extended-Stay Hotels: A Closer Look at Dunaire Elementary School

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — In the heart of a community grappling with housing instability, Sean Deas, the principal of Dunaire Elementary School, stands as a beacon of hope for many children facing significant challenges. Approximately 10% of the students at his school, located just east of Atlanta, reside in extended-stay hotels, a situation that brings with it a host of emotional and physical struggles.

The Reality of Hotel Living

Extended-stay hotels have become a last resort for low-income families seeking shelter. According to the Department of Education, over 100,000 students across the nation lived in such accommodations in 2022, a number that advocates believe is likely an undercount. In some counties surrounding Atlanta, nearly 40% of homeless students find themselves in these transient living situations.

For many families, the choice to live in a hotel is driven by rising rents, evictions, and a dwindling supply of affordable housing. Unfortunately, this form of housing often exacerbates existing issues, leading to significant physical and mental health challenges for children.

The Impact on Children

Deas has observed firsthand the toll that hotel living takes on his students. Many of these children have been exposed to violence on hotel properties, leading to increased aggression and anxiety. The cramped quarters of a single hotel room can foster feelings of instability and insecurity, while the lack of kitchen facilities often results in food insecurity.

“Social trauma is the biggest challenge,” Deas explains. “We hear a lot about sleep problems.” To address these issues, he has implemented a schoolwide program that includes counseling services, a food pantry, and specific protocols for managing students who may fall asleep in class. “Beyond the teaching, there’s a social part,” he emphasizes. “We have to find ways to support the families as well.”

Health and Safety Concerns

Living in extended-stay hotels poses numerous health risks. Inspections of these facilities in the Atlanta area have revealed serious issues, including poor ventilation, insect infestations, and mold. Children living in such environments are often behind on vaccinations and may face delays in receiving necessary medical care, leading to increased emergency room visits.

Gary Kirkilas, a pediatrician in Phoenix who works with homeless families, notes that about 75% of children with unstable housing he sees exhibit at least one developmental delay. The emotional and behavioral issues stemming from such instability can have lifelong consequences.

The Cycle of Eviction and Homelessness

The cycle of eviction often forces families into hotels, where they can become trapped. Many landlords are reluctant to rent to individuals with eviction histories, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their displacement. This is particularly true for Black women and other women of color, who face higher eviction rates and are more likely to find themselves living in extended-stay hotels.

Some families are fleeing domestic violence, seeking refuge in hotels that, while not ideal, offer immediate shelter. Extended-stay hotels typically do not require security deposits or background checks, making them an accessible option for families in crisis. However, the average rate for an economy-class extended-stay room can exceed $1,700 a month, a significant burden for low-income families.

The Voices of Families

The emotional toll of hotel living is evident in the stories of families like that of Tanazia Scott, who has moved between two extended-stay hotels for months. She describes her three children as feeling “depressed and upset” due to their living conditions. Similarly, Kassandra Norman, who faced eviction, recounts the challenges her family faced while living in a car and then in hotels, emphasizing the difficulty of completing homework in such unstable environments.

Advocates highlight that many hotels impose restrictions on children, such as prohibiting outdoor play in parking lots, further exacerbating stress and anxiety.

Community Response and Solutions

In response to the growing crisis, community advocates and organizations are working tirelessly to provide support. Initiatives like the Motel to Home program in Atlanta aim to help families transition from hotels to permanent housing. Additionally, county officials are exploring creative solutions, such as converting hotels into affordable housing, as seen in the Seattle area.

However, the need for systemic change is urgent. Advocates call for increased federal investment in affordable housing and stronger protections for renters to combat the rising tide of evictions.

Conclusion

The struggles faced by children living in extended-stay hotels are a stark reminder of the broader housing crisis affecting many communities. As Sean Deas and other advocates work to support these vulnerable families, it is clear that addressing the root causes of housing instability is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

In the words of Commissioner Ted Terry, “I hope we can rescue the children. It’s not a safe environment for them.” The time for action is now, as the well-being of countless children hangs in the balance.