Change can hurt Multiple moves are hard enough for adults, says Sharon F. Fields, program director at Bishop William M. Cosgrove Family Center for the homeless. It s extremely painful for children. Each child responds differently to homelessness, says Zashin. The stress makes some kids aggressive while others withdraw, afraid their peers will know they don t go home after school, Fields says. Some withdraw and are unable to trust people, says Zashin.
Some children fall asleep in class.
It may be the only safe place they re in all day. They may not have a place to do homework because the shelter is crowded and noisy, she adds. Miles Park enrolls a number of homeless students, says Principal William J. Bauer. He says he has seen kids leave the building and get into the family car in the school s parking lot and stay there all night. Children lose things during such upheaval.