As our economy continues to plunge and unemployment continues to rise, this has led to some troubling times for the many Americans. This has affected our children and has generated a growing number of children who are sleeping in shelters, motels, vans, etc.

This is unfortunately no way any child should grow up. Without the safety of a place to call home, many of these children are scared, stressed or embarrassed among their peers. Many of them hide their situation from their friends and long for what they used to call home. Children who are homeless are more likely to perform worst the others the children of their age in the education environment.

On the positive side, schools are stepping up in helping the next generation of leaders in providing tutoring, breakfast, lunch, showers, etc. This is often the first safety net for struggling families.

The federal government spends about $64 million a year to help homeless students and the stimulus package should give a boost in funding. Even with this funding and bleak economic forecast, we should not forget that it only takes a few hours a week to make an entire difference with a child.