Peoria Public School is providing assistance to students considered homeless. There are 422 of them, according to District 150 Family and Community Coordinator York Powers.
But, Powers says there could be more. Based on the number of students getting free or reduced-price lunch, the number could be more like 600 to 800.
"Not every family wants to designate itself as homeless or going through a housing transition," Powers tells the District 150 school board. "We try not to use the word homeless when asking families question whey they apply for assistance. But, there are some who say, 'This is what we're going through.'"
The assistance from the district is in the form of uniforms, school supplies and transportation. The goal is to keep students considered homeless attending their home school.
Many homeless students are living in doubled up housing - in other words, living with siblings or relatives - emergency shelters or hotel/motels.
