Number of homeless students at record high in W.Va. schools

[MADem]

1. It would be interesting to learn if they are using a refined metric for "homelessness."

In the old days, if you moved in with grandma or Auntie Melba, you weren't regarded as homeless--you were living in an "extended family" situation. It might not be optimal or desirable, but I don't think it was viewed as homelessness.

Also, the state is chasing federal grant money, and that might play a role in how aggressive they get in identifying a sometimes reluctant population (which they admit has been an issue):

Identifying homeless students in the state is especially important because that 70 percent depends on schools for help, since many in that statistical group don’t qualify for assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“(Homelessness) is a problem that’s just going to expand, especially in West Virginia,” Derenge said. “There just aren’t jobs available like there used to be.”

More than $300,000 in federal grants the state receives each year to provide shelters with tutors and after-school programs is possibly the most successful attempt at helping homeless students stay on track in school, Derenge said.

- See more at: http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20141102/GZ01/141109949/1419#sthash.zYGBLQ37.ssSwXDvs.dpuf

I'm glad the state is working the issue, and the 'glass half full' is that these children are being helped to stay in school. If they dropped off the rolls, they wouldn't be counted or helped.