In the United States, nearly 60% of the millions who are homeless are children. And because they are homeless, they experience poor physical and mental health and increased levels of illness and death.

The crisis of COVID-19 has both highlighted and worsened these conditions, said Dr. Megan Sandel, co-director of the Grow Clinic at Boston Medical Center and associate professor of pediatrics at the Boston University School of Medicine.

Sandel talked with KPBS Midday Edition about how children and families who have no permanent place to stay are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus in addition to other infections, illnesses, accidents, injuries and hunger.

Sandel will deliver they keynote address at the annual conference of the San Diego Housing Federation on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Listen to the podcast below: