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Orange Leads State in Number of Homeless Students


July 1, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando -- The number of homeless students in Florida public schools has nearly doubled since 2008. That's according to a new report out from the state Department of Children and Families.

Statewide 70,000 students were homeless during the 2012-2013 academic year. Some 7,000 were in Orange County, the highest number.

These are students who live in shelters, cars and motels. They might live with relatives or friends after being displaced or in campgrounds, parks and abandoned buildings.

The report found homelessness in general is down 4 percent from last year and 28 percent from four years ago.

It attributes the decline in part to improving economic conditions.

The report recommends funding for more affordable housing. It also recommends studying the economic benefits of permanent supportive housing for people with significant needs. 

 

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