The East Side Union High School District in San Jose says that the number of homeless students has grown to almost 1,000.
One hundred kids at Independence High School say they don’t have a place to live. Most people who come to Maggie Rodriguez’s office do so to get help, advice, or materials. The parent community expert has a hard time putting it into words.
“I think it’s a tough question for me because I get to go home and put my kids to bed and I get to feed my kids,” said Rodriguez.
Even though her kids are eager to learn, they have a hard time getting by when they’re not in school.
We can’t even begin to understand how hard it is, said Blasa Ozuna from the school district. “They’re a nightmare actually, so to expect them to sit there and learn while they’re hungry or they feel insecure because they’re wearing the same clothes for a week.”
According to the school system, there are currently 950 students who do not have a place to live. This number is rising by about 50 students each month, and it does not include students who are afraid or embarrassed to say they are homeless.
These kids still go to school, even if it’s just to talk to Rodriguez or learn something.
People think that homeless people don’t have drive, are dirty, or don’t know their way around, Rodriguez said. “I think that’s a huge misconception because they are the most resilient people I know.”
The school district is having a fundraiser to get money for gift boxes with a $75 gift card for the holidays.
Ozuna said, “The $75 gift card is more than that.” “It tells them someone sees them.” People can see them. They are recognized. They are taken care of.
