The number of Oregon homeless K-12 students increased 2% last school year to 22,215, according to data released Thursday. The state also counted 754 pre-kindergarten homeless students.
The Oregon Department of Education’s annual tally includes homeless student totals and percentages of students who are homeless by district.
The ODE news release Thursday highlighted that the Student Success Act will provide resources to support these students. The act identifies homeless students as one of the underserved groups districts must focus programs on.
Homeless is defined as lacking “a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.” Homeless students include children living in shelters, on the streets, in motels, in temporary housing and in shared housing. Most homeless students live with friends or relatives because their families have lost housing.
Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, every district must have a liaison to identify homeless students and provide services.
