NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Currently, there are 646 children and youth identified as homeless in New Hanover County's public school system. In prior years, the total has hovered around 400.
Lisa Burriss, the lead counselor for New Hanover County Schools attributes the increase to the struggling economy, lack of affordable housing, job loss, lowered wages and natural disasters.
Burriss defines homeless as those lacking a "fixed, regular and adequate" residence. Homeless students often do not fit the stereotype of "living on the street," instead they often frequently move in between motel rooms or relative's homes.
According to the recent census, a North Carolina family of four living on $22,000 or less per year is within the federal poverty level, yet twice that amount is needed for basic needs.
Twenty-percent of North Carolina children are living below the level and 24 percent of children under six live in poverty. Families in poverty move 50 to 100 percent more than those above the poverty line.
Students who move frequently tend to change schools and/or districts at a high rate, some as many as two or three times per year.
Burriss says that with each move, the student is more likely to fall behind by four to six months academically. The trend is associated with lower academic achievement and a higher drop-out rate.
A federal law called the McKinney-Vento Act mandates that school district provide supportive services to homeless students. Presently, NHCS is waiting to hear back on a $30,000 grant that would help provide transportation, clothing and tutoring to local students.
Even if the school system is denied the fund, they must continue to provide the level of services. In addition, NHCS provides a free or reduced lunch to 52 percent of students.
The school district's social workers work closely with local agencies like Good Shepherd to provide services.
In recent months, as many as 16 children ages infant to teen can be found inside the family unit of the shelter.
The unit offers four family bunk rooms, a communal bathroom and a living room area where children can study.
Good Shepherd says transitional phases are often hard on both parents and children when all there belongings are left behind and parental authority fades.
In most cases, families transition into stable housing within a matter of months.
Officials at the shelter say that until affordable housing units become more available in the county, homeless families and students will continue to be an issue.
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