The Voice of Russia, By Olga Yazhgunovich

Economic troubles and recession are making more US students homeless, meaning they live in shelters, motels, or are staying temporarily with someone because they have nowhere to live. There were 1.2 million homeless students during the 2011-12 academic year, from preschool through high school. That’s 10% higher than last year and 72% from the start of the recession, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Homeless Education, funded by the Department of Education. However, activists claim that the true number of homeless students is likely even higher than what is being reported.

“The recession isn’t over for America’s poorest families,” said Barbara Duffield, Policy Director of the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth. “There’s a gap between what jobs are available, what those jobs pay and what affordable housing is available.”

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