One Million Students Homeless in the US

Story by Erica Liepman, originally published April 2010 on Causecast.

Over the last two years, the national economic recession has forced American families out on the streets. The result? One million students across the country don't have a stable home.

The federal government has stepped in, with the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, with an annual budget of $65 million to provide services at the nation's public schools specifically targeted to reach the homeless students. While the figure initially sounds like a large sum, it amounts to a paltry $65 per child.

The nonprofit organization HEAR US is a strong voice advocating for increased federal funding to address the needs of homeless children and teens in schools. Change.org reports that HEAR US has estimated that at least $140 million is needed to help homeless youth get proper access to education and support services.

To read the full post visit Causecast.org.

Photo by Editor B via Flickr.