How Many Schoolchildren Are Homeless In Malvern?

MALVERN, PA -- There are an appalling number of homeless children across Pennsylvania: some 26,000, in fact, according to the Department of Education’s most recent numbers, from 2013-2014.

And those children are spread across nearly every single school district in the entire state.

The exact number of homeless children in Malvern is unclear, but the situation is better here than in neighboring towns. Because less than 10 homeless children were reported in the Great Valley School District, the exact number was not disclosed to protect student confidentiality.

Here’s how a few of the nearby districts within the county compared:

• Kennett - 244
• West Chester - 91
• Oxford - 83
• Phoenixville - 49
• Agora - 32
• Downingtown - 26
• Owen J. Roberts - 22
• Tredyffrin-Easttown - 13
• Great Valley - 10 or less (exact numbers under 10 were withheld by the state to protect student confidentiality)

Out of the county’s 89,875 enrolled students, there are a grand total of 871 homeless children, Department of Education data shows. That’s about 9.7 homeless kids per 1,000 students.

Compared to the rest of the state, those numbers are much better than average.

In Philadelphia County, for example, there are nearly 6,000 homeless children, or an average of about 30 for every 1,000.

The actual number of homeless children could be much higher, as the data only reflects the homeless population which the state served using designated funds.

The McKinney-Vento Act works on a national level to help provide homeless children with access to the same free public education as their peers, and provides money for school districts to handle homeless students. Qualifying students receive free lunches and transportation if necessary, among other benefits.