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SALT LAKE CITY -- Losing a job can mean losing a home. It's a reality thousands of Utah families have confronted in the last few years. Homelessness has deeply impacted the lives of two young girls, and the situation is becoming so common that schools are having to adjust.
For example, about one in five of the students here at Washington Elementary live in the homeless shelter. It's a fluid situation that poses challenges for educators and especially for young students who are trying to make sense of it all, as well as trying to fit in.
Tara and Rylee are at a brand new school - their third in three months.
"I lived in Tooele, because we lost our house in Ogden in August," said 7-year-old Rylee. "I didn't know where we were going to stay or what we were going to do."
Starting at a new school is tough for any young girl, but when you live in a homeless shelter, the other kids can be especially mean.
"They think that when you live in a homeless shelter, you get stinky - or something," said 10-year-old Tara. "They don't want to play with me at recess."
Homeless kids at Washington Elementary is not a new problem, but it's one that is growing. This year, 66 students live at the homeless shelter. The school bus driver picks up students at the shelter first and drops them off last to be sensitive to their situation. But that only goes so far for children who suddenly find themselves in a different world.
"Living at the shelter with a lot of other people isn't very fun. I'm not used to it," said Tara.
"She's bawling every day because of the kids teasing her because one of the little boys from here said they were in the shelters," said Stephanie, mother of Tara and Rylee.
The girls also miss the little things about having their own home. A stuffed cat and doll are the only toys they could bring. With five family members in a room, there's no space.
Stephanie tells the family this is temporary. A new job will come along, and with it, a new home. Soon, she hopes.
"I'm excited to get a new house or something, or an apartment," Stephanie said.
Schools try to make other accommodations. If they want parents to attend parent teacher conferences here at Washington, they're usually going to have to provide transportation.
Email: [nwimmer@ksl.com](<mailto: nwimmer@ksl.com>)
