Report sheds light on homeless schoolchildren in Fayette Co.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Lexington Fair Housing Council has just released a report on homelessness among schoolchildren in Fayette Co.

The report looked to delve deeper into the issue, after the Lexington Herald-Leader published an investigation back in 2015 revealing that the rate of school children who are homeless in Kentucky is the highest in the nation.  In all, using the most recent data from Fayette Co. schools, the report says that 795 students were classified as homeless in the 2014-2015 academic year.

Looking at data from elementary schools, the Lexington Fair Housing Council says the trend of homelessness is increasing, nearly doubling since 2013.  The highest rate of student homelessness in the county come from William Wells Brown Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Deep Springs Elementary, Yates Elementary School, and Millcreek Elementary.

The report points out that minority students from struggling neighborhoods tend to be the most affected by homelessness.  Schools with the highest rate of homelessness also suffer lower scores on academic performance.  The report also points out that the schools most affected by student homelessness appear to employ educators with nearly half the amount of experience as the teachers employed at schools that are least affected.

The report suggests that more resources need to be focused on schools facing greater challenges, and recommends seeking additional outside funding to address homelessness.  The report also recommends greater focus on struggling communities, and the need for funding in those areas to help alleviate financial strains that can drive families, and their children, to the street.

To read the entire report, click here.