Dive Brief:
- During the 2012-13 school year, the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth found that over 1.25 million public school students were homeless—a fact that raises questions about how districts are supporting their most vulnerable students.
- While transportation may be the most expensive necessity for homeless students, funds also become necessary for school supplies, tutoring, meals, and clothing, according to District Administration.
- The site also highlights the fact that one of the biggest challenges for schools is identifying which students are homeless and need support. Homelessness is defined as students who lack a regular and stable nighttime residence, however, this does not necessarily mean living on the streets. It could mean shuffling from home to home, staying in hotels or shelters.
Dive Insight:
According to NAEHCY of the student homeless population, 25% were in high school. According to Barbara Duffield, director of policy and programs at NAEHCY, homeless teens who are living on their own typically find themselves in that predicament because of "a very bad situation at home, abuse or neglect." Additionally, Duffield says foster care is often not possible for the older kids, so finding housing becomes incredibly difficult.