Close to Home

I teach in one of Seminole County’s public schools–one that happens to be in the absolute wealthiest part of the county. Yet, there are homeless children in my school, as well as students who have a home but no food to eat, no lights on, or heat in the winter time. And it is not just the students. Recently, I learned that one of my fellow teachers was choosing between eating and keeping her lights on. She works full time but can’t afford the cost of living on her salary. I know there are many skeptics when we hear about those who are homeless, but every day I see the hidden truth of the struggles people in our area face. And all too often, there are children involved.