SALINAS, Calif- A sobering study released this week, shows many students on the Central Coast, are living below the poverty line. One Salinas School District is trying to help a growing number of homeless students.
"I lost my job, lost my car, my apartment, and it's got real difficult trying to get the girls things and trying to provide for them," this woman, who didn't want to be identified, is talking about her 12 and 5 year old daughters. She said without a home, it's tough keeping her kids focused in school because her kids can't get enough food.
"With the way things are right now, there are so many families like that out there. It's a sad situation."
Her two daughters are among hundreds of homeless students in the Salinas City Elementary School District
In one kindergarten classroom at El Gabilan Elementary, there are 28 students, six of them are homeless.
"Last school year 2010-2011, we identified 1,039 families. The year before that we had 538 families so we just about doubled from the previous school year," said Cheryl Camany. She's the homeless liaison for the school district. She said this school year the number of homeless students jumped again to about 1500.
"It's overwhelming because we don't have to go to a third world country to help out needy children and families. They are right here, our neighbors, living in garages, hotels, motels, trailer parks, yet they're hiding the fact that they're homeless and trying to survive."
That's why this school district gathered school uniforms, backpacks, books and even food for students. But they still need jackets, gloves and hats to stay warm during the winter.
Something this mom says will not only bring warmth but a sense relief, "it feels good that the school is doing more than providing education."
Camany said the face of the homeless is becoming younger each year and hopes you look around and help if you can.
