An estimated 15,000 students in West Virginia are experiencing homelessness, a problem advocates say is often hidden. More than 80 percent of those students have a place to stay, but not one considered a fixed or adequate nighttime residence under federal definitions. Last week, WCHS TV said lawmakers heard testimony on the challenges homeless students face, including access to basic resources, higher education, and transportation. Advocates say many students struggle to obtain vital documents like birth certificates or state IDs, making it harder to get jobs or continue their education after graduation.
House Bill 2983 aims to remove those barriers. Lawmakers are also considering separating school attendance and homeless coordinator roles to better identify and support students, especially in rural areas with limited resources.