Griffith Public Schools

The challenge of providing an education for homeless students is growing. Over 1.35 million children experience homelessness each year in the United States; in Indiana over 29,000 children experience homelessness each year. People who do not have their own home are highly mobile, moving as many as 12 times as often as their permanently housed peers. In addition, domestic violence touches as many as 63% of homeless parents. The instability that homeless children experience as they move frequently between the homes of family or friends and shelters makes it difficult for children and youth to have a place to do homework or even attend school at all. To further complicate things, students can have a difficult time enrolling in school due to a lack of records such as immunization or birth records, school transcripts, or a lack of a permanent address. Children who experience delays or absences often fall behind quickly, making their education more challenging.



·        Doubled up with family or friends due to economic conditions

·        Living in motels and hotels for lack of other suitable housing

·        Runaway and "Throwaway" children and youth

·        Homes for unwed or expectant mothers for lack of a place to live

·        Homeless and domestic violence shelters

·        Transitional housing programs

·        The streets

·        Abandoned buildings

·        Public places not meant for housing

·        Cars, trailers, and campgrounds

·        Awaiting fostercare

·        Migratory children staying in housing not fit for habitation