A 14-Year-Old's View of 'Hidden Homelessness' | Growing Up Poor in America | FRONTLINE

“I couldn't imagine living like this forever, and I don’t want to live like this forever,” says 14-year-old Kyah, who makes a bed for herself out of blankets on the floor each night.


For the past year, Kyah, her mother and her older sister have been living out of a single room in a relative’s house — experiencing what’s been called “hidden homelessness” in order to avoid entering the shelter system. The coronavirus pandemic has only amplified their struggles. Meet Kyah and her family in a scene from "Growing Up Poor in America" that explores the difficult-to-measure phenomenon of "hidden homelessness."

#HiddenHomelessness #Documentaries #GrowingUpPoorInAmerica



Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Major funding for FRONTLINE is provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Abrams Foundation, the Park Foundation, and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation. Support for Growing Up Poor in America is provided by WNET’s Chasing the Dream initiative on poverty and opportunity in America, with funding by The JPB Foundation.

[elegantlywasted]

It just doesn’t take much to end up like this
I’m an RN and 3 years ago we lost everything due to medical bills
I have a job and it’s a struggle
I really feel for her

[cheese]

I grew up quite similarly, struggled for eight years homeless, most of my childhood, shaped in rooms like this, I pray they get a house

[Randomknowledgebox]

I loved this life for about 12 yrs I’m 21 right now and I can say it’s terrible from 8 people in one room to borrowing electricity illegally just so my sisters and I could have Atleast a lamp in the apartment and moving over 15 times from sleeping in a van as of now I’m a US Army vet and is currently getting enrolled into college and my whole family is doing great now things can change in a matter of seconds. I hope everyone gets blessings and I’ll raise my son just born to be the best and I give all glory to god for giving me the strength to move from my environment

[ewitherell]

My heart is with you ladies. I hope you can find a home. I will pray for it for you every day and send you the energy to make it!!

[donnellvickers]

three BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY'S it will get better because y'all are very articulated and smart, im struggling too with no money or income. but hopefully it'll get better for us all.

[johnlambert]

I've been homeless before and it is so hard to come out of it. I finally was able to get a place and after 5 years my landlord sold the house and now I'm facing homelessness again due to the high cost of living. It sucks but I'll survive 🤷

[yourbored]

I remember living like this its not fun and it's a struggle

[zakkiyahmitchell]

I wish you guys would watch the full episode. Reading the comments about the mom having her nails done, she’s a nail tech at a salon.. iPhones, my kids has two iPhones one Xr and the 11 in which both were given to them by their father as well as their Apple watches.

[stevendunn]

Again, bear in mind that this is all taking place in the wealthiest nation on earth.

[clivebaxter]

These films always have something missing- the FATHERS

[vaper]

This is so sad, just one of many stories.

[_PAIGE]

I remember watching this when it 1st aired. Always wondered how they all are doing “today” 🙏🏾

[tbizzle]

Lord please help them all, my heart brakes...

[leathiarao]

Girls keep your heads up. Keep your business within your family. Double down on your education. In your lives just like in nature there will be rainy days and sunny days. Both rain and sun are needed in order for crops to grow. Continue to support and love each other. It will not be like this always. Strive to make good life choices things will improve.

[bryy]

wishing these ladies all the best <3

[colleenlally-ross]

I went through that and not having a place where you can just BE is impossible to put into words! I had tried to get "help" as I've paid taxes my whole life but without knowing the system I was always in the wrong line it seemed. I can't fathom how it impossible it would be during a pandemic...

[bbt]

There are programs, free programs. Its hard but people do it. Leaving on the streets is rough, I see that homelessness everyday.

[skybeat]

@Frontline i would like to assist. How can I reach this family?

[rawrr]

Awh this is so sad!! But she is gorgeous 🥺

[doubleuponbob]

Could someone please do something to help these kids?