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(Des Moines, IA) -- The number of Des Moines Public School families living in their cars has tripled this year.
According to a Des Moines Public Schools newsletter, more than 550 students are experiencing homelessness. Homeless students are 80% more likely to drop out, five times more likely to be placed in special education, and 53% are chronically absent.
It’s Homeless Awareness Week, and Des Moines Public Schools says you can help by donating hygiene items and gas cards, or by volunteering at local shelters and food pantries.