Homeless student numbers on the rise....

The number of homeless students in area schools has skyrocketed since 2006, as more families face foreclosure and job loss, and schools are growing more aware of their obligations under federal law. The homeless "have always been there," said Melissa Romero, a program coordinator for the Lake County regional office of education. "I think that the climate now just makes it so that it is undeniable and recognizable." Across the Chicago suburbs, a 67 percent increase in homeless students during the two years that ended in June reflects a faltering economy. Some districts are reporting their first homeless students. In Chicago, the schools expect to top last year's record number of 10,642 homeless students...Link