Spokane Public Schools gift card drive taking place [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash — Spokane Public Schools has launched its annual gift card drive as the district faces a dramatic 28% increase in students experiencing homelessness compared to last year. Officials say the current number of students facing housing instability is the highest since the 2008 recession, underscoring an urgent need for community support.

Sarah Miller, a member of the district’s Homeless Education and Resource Team (HEART), revealed the scope of the crisis. “We have identified 1,222 students who are experiencing housing instability just within Spokane Public Schools,” she said.

Contributing to the issue, officials report that 277 students lack a legal guardian or parent. Students impacted by homelessness are living in a variety of unstable conditions, from shelters to motels, or resorting to couch-surfing or sleeping in cars. The district …