Homelessness is a constant struggle for survival. A struggle for food, shelter, safety and sanitation. Homelessness is a 24 hour a day, seven day a week struggle for survival whether it is a stray dog or cat, man or woman, family, child or teenager. And homelessness exists, right here in this community, says Mountain Home Police Officer, Bubba Jones.
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As the resource office at Mountain Home High School for the past 20 years, Jones has a unique perspective on homelessness among students, which he says has increased over the past five to 10 years.
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Dr. Jake Long, Superintendent of Mountain Home Schools recognizes the need and says the schools are looking for ways to help these students.
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But finding out where there is a need isn’t always easy, according to Long and Jones. Sometimes the school finds out when the child ends up in trouble, says Jones.
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Jones and Long say being homeless isn’t something students are willing to talk about with their peers or adults. But sometimes, they will confide in a teacher or counselor they trust, says Long.
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The next segment in this series on homelessness in local schools from KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News will focus on the how these students become homeless and their determination to make it on their own. Future segments will look at resources available to them and opportunities for community involvement.
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