News

A record number of homeless students are attending West Virginia's public schools.

 

According to the National Center for Homeless Education, more than 8,300 students were labeled as homeless in West Virginia last school year, up about 9 percent from the year before.

 

About 70 percent of those students are living with grandparents or several family members in close quarters, while about 25 percent are living in shelters, and the rest are on the streets or living in motels.

 

The Charleston Gazette reports that officials say about five years ago, only about 2,000 students qualified as homeless in the state's schools.

 

Each year the state receives more than $300,000 in federal grants to provide shelters with tutors and after-school programs. The money also helps with supplies and other school costs.