The sharp increase in homeless students owes in part to Hurricane Maria, which struck Puerto Rico in September 2017, causing many people to move to Central Florida.
School board member Pam Gould said the number may be an underestimate as teenagers may be reluctant to disclose their personal situation, according to Orlando Sentinel.
Savino says that federal law requires the district to use federal money to provide these students with free meals, as well as bus rides to go to school, and other services—even if the students are moving around. Local businesses are also helping out by donating money to help supply clothes and school supplies, as well as free restaurant meals and vouchers to get school pictures, according to Savino.
District figures in the latest report noted that of the homeless students, 7,415 were sharing housing, 1,852 were living in hotels, 289 were in shelters, and 134 were sleeping in cars or parks, the Sentinel reported.