10.
Despite a rebounding economy, Oregon's homeless children count is 18% higher than a year ago and 37% higher than two years ago. Housing costs continue to skyrocket while incomes for those at the bottom of the economic spectrum have not. Affordable housing is extremely scarce. Educators say schools are doing a better job of identifying students who lack permanent homes and also doing a better job of helping students in those straits to overcome barriers and stay in school. But the rising numbers pose challenges for students, families, schools and government officials. More than 200 homeless education specialists around the state work to make sure that students who become homeless get the bus rides, food baskets, utility assistance, encouragement and red-tape-busting that they and their families need to keep them in class. Nearly 2,500 of the homeless students lack not only a home, but also a parent or guardian. Abandoned by parents or having run away from home or foster care, these students "couch surf," staying temporarily with a series of friends and acquaintances, one at a time.
Associated Topic: Platforms for Resilience
Tags: homelessness,
Added: December 9, 2008