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Homelessness grows as hidden issue in St. Cloud schools
Officials say many families are doubled up or in shelters, and the district is expanding outreach to identify students and connect them with services.
- St. Cloud Area School District expects to identify 400 homeless students for the 2026-27 school year, which begins September 1. Transitional Services Coordinator Nancy Dyson estimates up to 500 students may qualify for services.
- Many families do not identify as homeless, especially when staying with friends or relatives, creating a barrier to support. Dyson said staff are working to explain rights and resources to families to overcome this challenge.
- Families often struggle with upfront costs like deposits and rent totaling nearly $6,000. The Local Education & Activities Foundation partnered with Stearns County recently, contributing $1,500 toward a $4,500 move-in cost.
- Housing instability affects attendance, healthcare, and food access, undermining student learning. Dyson said, "When they're not in the classroom, the magic doesn't happen," emphasizing stable housing as essential for maturation.
- Registration peaks in August as the district continues identifying students. Superintendent Laurie Putnam said the district's numbers reflect local resources, noting, "I think this community is an outlier" regarding homelessness.
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13 Articles
13 Articles
Duluth News Tribune+12 Reposted by 12 other sources
Homelessness grows as hidden issue in St. Cloud schools
District 742 identified 360 students as experiencing homelessness last school year, although there are probably hundreds more and numbers are expected to rise for 2026-27.
·Cherokee County, United States
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left0Leaning Right6Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Right
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Right
55% Right
C 45%
R 55%
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