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Homeschooling Through Homelessness: Strategies to Thrive When Facing Hard Times
- Sadi Rey
- Jun 27
- 12 min read
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Homeschooling while homeless. Is that even a thing? It sounds like the plot of a painful, yet potentially hopeful, novel or a conversation you'd overhear in disbelief—but for some of us, it’s not fiction. It's life. And if it’s not homelessness, maybe it’s a different storm: the loss of a job, the crushing weight of postpartum depression, the passing of a loved one, caring for aging parents, or a financial spiral that came out of nowhere.
Life has a way of flipping the script without warning—and when it does, the lesson plan gets tossed right along with it. One minute you are organizing color-coded schedules, and the next you're wondering how to make a lesson out of survival. Whatever the crisis, it can flatten you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—leaving you asking, “How can I possibly keep homeschooling through this?”
The answer isn’t always easy—but it is possible. And you're not alone.
The Changing Landscape of Education and Homeschooling
Over the past few years, the face of education has changed in ways few could’ve predicted. Homeschooling has grown by leaps and bounds—not just because of preference, but because of pressure. School shutdowns, rising reports of bullying, the need for safer or more nurturing environments, quests for authentic education and truth, efforts to avoid indoctrination, and a collective shift toward honoring each child’s unique wiring. This led thousands of families to bring learning home. There are currently 3.7 million homeschoolers in the USA as of 2024. That is 6.73% of all school-aged children, according to Mastermind Behavior.
But...while the decision to homeschool can be powerful and freeing, life doesn’t always wait for a “perfect moment” to cooperate. While homeschooling has its own learning curve, many families experience other challenges simultaneously, which means navigating life's complexities. Sometimes, the math lesson is sandwiched between a job loss and a meltdown. Sometimes, your science lab is on a borrowed countertop in a borrowed home.
In this post, I’m giving you the raw, unfiltered truth about the most unexpected season of my life and home education journey—homeschooling while homeless. I’m sharing the messy middle, the practical tips that keep us moving forward, and the hope that holds us together. I’ll save other curveballs (like job loss, depression, and different devastating life storms) for future posts—but today, we begin here.
Stressful Struggles Can Show Up Anytime
Let’s be real for a second: no one adds “homeless and homeschooling” to their vision board. It’s not on your Pinterest-perfect schoolroom mockup or your list of fall goals beside “apple picking” and “read-alouds on the porch.” It’s the thing you don’t see coming—the plot twist you didn’t sign up for when you bought fresh notebooks and laminated your morning routine.
But here you may be. With whatever you face... Here I am. And we’re still showing up. So, let’s talk about how to do more than just make it through—let’s talk about how we got here and how to grow, learn, and even thrive… right here in the hard. Because in life, if it's not a win, it's a learning experience!
When Tables Turn, What's Next?
So...how did it happen? When I began homeschooling in the fall of 2018, my main concern was what curriculum to order, how to redesign our extra space into a homeschool room, and which field trip to schedule first. Time felt tight because I transitioned from a career to an entrepreneurial endeavor, and then to homeschooling four children (including my nephew) without any prior experience. I was up early and stayed up many nights planning, ordering books and supplies (probably a little too many), and learning from others who had done this before me. I listened to podcasts, watched endless YouTube videos, read books, and attended both summits and conferences to accelerate my learning curve. But that was the extent of my stress.
Life was exciting as my homeschool conviction grew, and I jumped all in. Days were full of exploration. Lessons led to meaningful discussions and rabbit holes to research. I met many families on this journey as I joined co-ops and homeschool organizations (more on that in a later post). I learned about a parent-support co-op and online Facebook groups. The resources were endless. I was able to tap into as many or as few connections as I wanted. Some years we did more, some we pared back. It was brilliant, and my children embraced every moment of our new lifestyle! Why hadn't I done this sooner?
Don't get me wrong, homeschooling isn't always perfect, but it's personal. There will be days that don't go as planned, but you course correct. You won't know everything, but you will learn "how to learn" and teach your children to do the same.
Years later...BAM! Something shifted. Where I was previously thriving, I felt like I was surviving. I felt unraveled. My fuel tank was running low—my reserve went to my children, the household, the homeschool, activities, errands, cooking, cleaning, commitments, appointments, and all the responsibilities I needed to show up for...all except me. How was this happening now? I wasn't new to the game.
Life Has Difficult Decisions - Winners Make Them
If you've lived a day in parenthood, you understand. It's like driving on a picturesque road, soaking in the beautiful weather, windows rolled down. Your children are blissful in the backseat...and then a rock crashes into your windshield, the skies open with downpour, the children snap from mellow to meltdown, and your tire pops all at once! The breeze was perfect. Now you are soaked, stalled, and wondering how it all changed so fast. You also know, this isolated road has no service, so no one is coming to rescue you. If you do nothing, nothing will change. If you don't help yourself, you won't be any good for yourself or those who depend on you.
When you homeschool, you will pour out a tremendous amount of yourself. For that reason, it is important to be self-aware. What's your gauge showing? Your Emotions. Your mental state. Your physical state. Your health. Your relationships. Your support system. Your energy. Your time. Your self-care. Your delegation. Your ideas, projects, and creative outlets. You. Because if you overload your infrastructure, it will crack. That will lead to a break. Everything you built will slowly crumble. And because you are good at holding things together, you may not realize it until it feels like it's too late. But even then. Know that it's not...I promise. You can rebuild a strong foundation!
I was losing sight of myself rapidly, with cracked structural beams contributing. What was supposed to provide stability was leading to collapse. I stood at a crossroads with a question that had echoed in my soul for far too long: Stay… or leave? Those two simple words—so short, yet so heavy—looped through my mind like a song you don’t even like, but somehow know every word. Staying meant easy now, hard later. One more night of pretending everything was fine. But deep down, I knew that more time had never been the solution—it had only ever delayed the inevitable. Leaving, on the other hand, meant walking into the unknown—eyes wide open, heart racing, holding the hands of not just one, but three additional humans who trust me to steer the ship, even when the compass spins uncontrollably. And I didn't have it all figured out.
What was I leaving? A critical part of my infrastructure: my marriage. The effects of endless superficial patches in place of true resolve were blaring. The damage was undeniable and now required demolition instead of restoration to rebuild correctly. The delay was impacting every aspect of our family's life in unhealthy ways. Do I disrupt life in desperation to heal?
And what about the layers of change? Our routine. Our rhythm. What about co-op classes? Academics? Extracurriculars? Friendships? Shifting all of that isn’t just a move—it’s a massive emotional undertaking. One that, if handled carelessly, could send tremors through the very foundation I’ve worked so hard to build. But with intention, prayer, and sensitivity woven into every step, I knew it didn’t have to be a breaking point. It could be the beginning of something braver. Something better. So, I made one day, THE day. I decided I wanted to gain purpose more than I wanted to avoid the pain. So I left. That decision meant homelessness. And if you’re reading this, it may mean you haven’t given up either. That’s not nothing—that’s everything. If you want to see how I start over from scratch, with three, while homeschooling, keep following future posts.
This blog is for the parent juggling LIFE. Possibly sleeping in temporary beds, using backpacks as bookshelves, walking in uncertain circumstances, and having a heart that still believes your child deserves a beautiful education—even if your days feel like you are reading someone else's story, and how on earth did you end up here! It will end well! It will, and you will win! Let’s talk about real strategies for grace-filled progress.
Time to Thrive: 5 Strategies to Course Correct
1. You Are Not Broken—You Are Brave
Let’s start with what you need to hear: you’re doing better than you think. Just because your life looks different doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.
Crisis has a way of making us feel like we’re behind, but the truth is, you’re leading your family through one of the most challenging learning environments life can throw your way, making you resourceful and resilient. That’s not weakness. That’s courage. Whenever you start to do something good, expect that something hard will show up. Disruption is a part of any intentional goal. How do you successfully get past that disruption? Keep the action or speed going past your breakthrough point. Don't creep. Don't slow down.
Did you know, according to a vine dresser, that fertile soil is perfect for regular fruits like peaches and plums; however, less fertile soil can be very suitable for wine grapes. In that type of soil, wine grapes can be stressed more, which produces higher quality fruit even if the yield is less. Let that sink in. The growth and the new version of you that will emerge on the other side of this situation are pure quality. Watch here.
Try this: Start a journal or a voice memo log—not just for your plans, but your feelings. It will help process your emotions and make room for clearer thinking. Trust me!
2. Find Your People—Even Just One
You may not have a village next door, but don’t underestimate the power of one true connection. You may find community, but even one person is enough. That one CAN be The Most High. If you know, you know! Other lifelines can be the internet—supportive Facebook groups, local homeschooling chats, forums, and community organizations. You don’t need to broadcast every detail of your situation to the world, but finding someone you trust, a friend, a therapist, a family member, a prayer partner, or a “destiny helper”—can make a world of difference. I use one online community for mindset. They understand life happens, but the mentality is not to get stuck when it does. Kingdom Principles are used to keep going and succeed in a big way. Kingdom Seekers by Pedro Adao focuses on applying wisdom to everyday life and has a 5-day/week prayer component. The information is powerful, insightful, and encouraging. It's not for everyone, but it is working for me.
Here’s the truth: not everyone will know how to support you or even want to support you (physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally). Some will offer clichés instead of compassion. Others may back away because your crisis makes them uncomfortable. That happened to me. Texts were no longer timely or reciprocated. Quick waves took the place of conversations. "Let me know if you need anything" became a placeholder for presence. I appreciate knowing their stance.
A few showed up in a big way. Though short-term, it gave my mind a bit of a break and a few weeks to shift into gear—to plan, to process, to lead my children forward. As I continue my grind, it's footprints in the sand.
Try this: Reach out to one person you genuinely trust. Ask for regular check-ins. Even a 10-minute chat can lighten your mental load. You may also find a supportive group to engage with at least once per week. Community can be comforting.
3. Rethink What Learning Looks Like
Learning doesn’t have to happen at a desk with massive bookshelves. In seasons of crisis, your classroom might be the car, the library, or where you temporarily stay. Your children can still learn through everyday experiences. Life becomes your hands-on curriculum. Budgeting gas money, navigating new areas with maps, reading aloud, holding discussions, reasoning, and problem-solving.
And for you, determine your next assignment, the one that will get you and your children back on track. It may be a business, a career, a project, a mission, or something else. Learn the necessary skills and secure the support you need. And then just start. You don't need to know everything before you do. There are things you will learn along the way. Myron Golden explained it best here, in Start Before You Are Ready: How to Get Unstuck in Life. The advice he gives is life-changing. I am mastering four skills, which I'll share more about.
Try this: Keep a "Life Learning Log" and jot down the lessons you learn along this journey. This is part of your story. You will use it in the future to help others. Add a section for your children and record the untraditional things they are learning. It counts. Then focus on one skill to get you back on your desired path. Do at least one thing a day to move your needle in that direction. Right now, you need speed.
4. “Less Curriculum, More Connection”
Don’t try to force a full curriculum in survival mode. Besides, until you find a permanent place, if you are anything like me, you have far too much curriculum to haul around in your car. There would be no room for the children. It’s okay to scale back. Focus on what matters: reading, math, writing, conversations, and emotional connection.
Your children don't need perfection right now. They need presence. This season is hard for them, too. Understanding what stresses your children out and what brings them joy can be the difference between chaos and connection. Powerful lessons happen when you ditch the schedule and just talk. You need to hear them, their thoughts, their feelings. Based on the reason why you are homeless (or the challenge you are facing at the moment), there may be layers to talk through. It's critical to know where their head is at. You want to be on the same page in your emotional processing.
While connecting with my children, I also connected to my faith. I know the Father is good and He cares for me. There are unseen spiritual forces to consider as I proceed. Having an ANCHOR helps! I heard Derek Prince speak on the Promises of God and how to use them to command our mornings. Such impact! I use a book by David Wilkerson to speak God's promises over our family every day. It is in Our Shop.
Try this: Use books, audiobooks, or family discussions as the centerpiece of your homeschool days. It’s not cheating—it’s smart. Add select subjects next. Then identify your anchor. What keeps you grounded, places you in the right mindset, and keeps you accountable? Empower your children to share their needs and ideas for feeling safe and motivated. Create a "What Helps/What Hurts" chart together.
5. Track the Wins (Even the Odd Ones)
It’s easy to feel like nothing’s working when the day feels disorganized. That’s why it’s essential to track the wins, no matter how small. Did everyone brush their teeth? Win. Did you read a chapter aloud? Double win. You will begin to notice more of the gain and less of the gap. Your gratitude will grow into immediate recognition instead of a conscious exercise. And guess what? Your children will pick it up and use it, too!
Small routines are good. Children like knowing what to expect. But allow for flexibility, spontaneity, and breaks. Give yourself grace.
Try this: Make a VICTORY JAR or a digital note where you drop in daily or weekly wins. Reading these back as a family will give you perspective when you feel discouraged.
This Season Won’t Last Forever—But the Lessons Will—So, Don't Give Up!
This part of your story will pass. Just make sure it does. What does that mean? The principles you apply to keep you going need to be stronger than the principles you are overcoming. If so, nothing can stop you! But what won’t fade is the resilience you’re modeling, the creativity you’re cultivating, and the love you’re pouring out in the middle of the mess. There are some lessons you can only learn while going through them. Homeschooling in hard times and even homelessness will be a thing of the past.
Do not give up! Choose. Hard now, easy later. Or, easy now, hard later. Many people have an easier time fixing their minds on what won't work rather than filling their thoughts with what can work. If you see negative outcomes more clearly than positive ones, you may talk yourself out of maintaining the momentum needed for your solution. So, just in case you didn't know, you are ready for a better life. Instead of asking, "What if it doesn't work?"(Anxiety robs your energy) ask yourself, "How awesome will this be if it works!"(Anticipation fuels your energy).
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep showing up. Your children are watching—not for polished lessons, but for a parent who loves them fiercely through the unknown. Write a letter to your future self—from the parent who made it to the other side. Keep it as a reminder that you’re growing through this, too.
Homeschooling through homelessness (or any crisis) isn’t a chapter anyone would choose. But maybe, just maybe, it will become the most powerful testimony of strength, love, and learning your family ever shares.
And until then? Keep going. You’re already doing something extraordinary!
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Walk In Confidence,
Sadi Rey
Simply Schoolhouse
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