13-02-2025
Triad school districts work to end student homelessness
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — Homelessness among students is on the rise in places like Forsyth County.
'Right now, we have 945 students who we have identified as experiencing homelessness,' Program Manager of Project Hope with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Beth Ann Chambers said.
In Surry County, they've seen a 98 percent increase in homeless students since 2022.
'In 2022, we saw 50 … Last year, we saw 72 … As of today, we are at 91 students,' Surry County homeless Liaison Paris Green said.
According to the National Center for Homeless Education, that trend can be seen throughout the state of North Carolina. Their data also shows that 70 percent of homeless students in the state are living doubled up.
When it comes to students, it's important to define what homelessness means.
'Most of our families are doubled up, which means they lost housing, and they're living with another family member or a friend … We also have a lot of families that live in hotels temporarily,' Chambers said.
Some are left without a roof at all and are living in a car. But what is behind that increase?
'First off, economic factors. It's really hard to find a place for rent for a decent amount of money. Our families have either been evicted or they're ,,, losing their jobs. Natural disaster. We've had quite a few house fires here in the last few years,' Green said.
Chambers said a school's biggest goal for a student is their education.
'Education … is something that you own. No matter how much education that you have … you own, and nobody can take that back,' Chambers said.
Through the Mckinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 schools have to provide assistance.
In our local schools, it's going the extra mile that's helped students succeed.
'American Airlines does a coat drive for us every year around Christmas time … This year, they asked if there was anything else we need, and I said … 'sleeping bags,'' Chambers said.
Chambers says that while this is a small act, a sleeping bag at night could make for a more comfortable night's sleep, which is critical for learning.
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