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Menomonie (WQOW) - The issue of homelessness is a big concern in the Menomonie School District. The district says since the beginning of the school year, it's seen as many homeless families as it did the entire school year last year.
Homelessness in the Menomonie School District is on the rise.
"We know that it's increased quite a bit, what we saw this year were students, sometimes multiple kids in a family that are homeless that are definitely up from last year, the increase was pretty evident," Christine McMasters, the director of student services at the Menomonie School District.
And that number could be even higher than what's known.
"The thing is, families don't necessarily tell people that they're homeless, so a kid may be acting out in school, but it's a secret about what's going on at home, so sometimes it's hard to know that they're in need like that," says Heidi Hooten, Stepping Stones Shelter Coordinator.
"I think sometimes they think they don't need to tell us, and they don't need to tell us, I don't think that sometimes they realize that the district can offer some services to them," says McMasters.
The district has connections to resources that families may be in desperate need of.
"Keeping children in the school that they attend no matter where they move to, that was a big piece of it, and of course, getting reduced and free lunches, and title one services," McMasters says.
read more Homelessness on the rise in Menomonie School District - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports
Homelessness in the Menomonie School District is on the rise.
"We know that it's increased quite a bit, what we saw this year were students, sometimes multiple kids in a family that are homeless that are definitely up from last year, the increase was pretty evident," Christine McMasters, the director of student services at the Menomonie School District.
And that number could be even higher than what's known.
"The thing is, families don't necessarily tell people that they're homeless, so a kid may be acting out in school, but it's a secret about what's going on at home, so sometimes it's hard to know that they're in need like that," says Heidi Hooten, Stepping Stones Shelter Coordinator.
"I think sometimes they think they don't need to tell us, and they don't need to tell us, I don't think that sometimes they realize that the district can offer some services to them," says McMasters.
The district has connections to resources that families may be in desperate need of.
"Keeping children in the school that they attend no matter where they move to, that was a big piece of it, and of course, getting reduced and free lunches, and title one services," McMasters says.
read more Homelessness on the rise in Menomonie School District - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports
