Lisa Simpson
Dec 14,2009
In: Real Estate

Foreclosures Have Led to an Increase of Homeless Students

Foreclosures have led to an increase of homeless public school students especially in Indiana. In the past few years the figures have jumped thanks to heavy foreclosure and high unemployment figures. More and more parents are finding it difficult to provide their children with stable homes.

In the school year of 2005/2006 the public schools in Indiana noted 7,547 students who were homeless as per a brief released by Indiana Youth Institute. The figures spiked to 8,249 in the subsequent year. In 2007/2008 it went up to 8,480 marking 12% increase covering the previous two years.

The numbers are not inclusive of the junior students who are not yet of school-going age or the “unaccompanied youth”. It is difficult to get these numbers because the latter are surviving on their own and frequently do not seek assistance from shelters.

It is estimated in general that about 29,000 children of Indiana covering all ages are thought to be homeless. This term covers a motley collection of living conditions – runaway teenagers holed up under bridges or those living on the edge in the homes of relatives or friends of their parents because of the economic downturn.

To say the least – this increase in the number of homeless youngsters has been disturbing. These children are placed at a distinctive disadvantageous position said Bill Stanczykiewicz who is the head of a non-profit body that encourages healthy development for children.

On an average the homeless children switch schools over 3 times and their performance in comparison to the other students from stable families are lower. The institute has released this report in an effort to make people more aware of the problem. Stanczykiewicz said, “This has a lifelong impact. Once those children fall behind, it’s so much more difficult for them. Homelessness can dig a hole academically that can last that child a lifetime.”

As per the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Federal) provision is there for giving funds to the states to assist in the education of the homeless. The beneficiaries would be students living in motels, shelters or even those who are doubling up with relations and friends because of the inability of their families to keep them. Those who have run away from their homes or have been thrown out and pregnant teens without shelter also qualify for the measure. Provision would be made for their transportation and textbooks. They would also be exempted from certain rules.

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