The hidden homeless in the Wicomico County Public School system

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Homeless children in Wicomico County need support as the school year begin. Unfortunately, not every student has stable living conditions.

Wicomico County’s Habitat from Humanity CEO Molly Hilligoss is calling for solutions as soon as possible. 10% of families that Wicomico County Public Schools refer to as “families in transition.”

“It was over 1,500 students, and with over 15,000 students in Wicomico County schools, that’s one out of every ten students that are unhoused,” Hilligoss said.

Salisbury City Council President D’Shawn Doughty says local leaders have high standards for children’s academic achievement, when the students are worried about surviving.

“How can we expect children to be able to thrive and be productive in school, when their main concern is food insecurity and housing insecurities?” Doughty said.

Not having a pillow at night for young children to sleep on can have adverse effects on mental health. “Sleep difficulties too, disruptions of sleep due to unstable living conditions, can further exacerbate it, leading to fatigue and reduced cognitive functioning,” said Mind Map Wellness Psychiatrist Ian Bolland.

Local leaders are coming up with solutions, but Doughty thinks it will be a process requiring city leadership cooperation.

“We decided to come up with the housing action committee where we get community partners, individuals, and different stakeholders together to have the conversation and for us to think about what solutions are best for our community,” Doughty said.

Hilligoss is calling on city leaders to take action. “Increasing supply is the answer, the families, the children, there already here, and they need to be housed – period,” she said.

The school year for Wicomico County starts on September 3rd.