Number of homeless students in WS/FCS increased 11% over last year
Sheila Thorp, director of social work for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, presents on the school district's 2024 homeless students numbers during a board meeting in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. SANTIAGO OCHOA/WFDD
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is recognizing November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.
The number of students without stable housing in the district has steadily increased over the last few years.
Nearly 1,200 WS/FCS students were identified as experiencing homelessness last year. That’s an 11% increase from the year before, and more than double from 2020.
Director of Social Work Sheila Thorp discussed the issue during a school board meeting on Tuesday.
“Students of color, students who are pregnant, and students who identify as LGBTQ, are far more likely to experience homelessness," Thorp said. "Students with disabilities and English language learners are also represented disproportionately.”
The district has a program, called Project H.O.P.E., which aims to support these students. Last year, it provided hotel stays, food cards and more than 1,000 bus passes. Tutoring is also offered to children at local shelters.
Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.
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