| The following inquiry examines the unique educational experiences of homeless children living at Family Residence, a shelter in Scarborough Ontario. With increasing numbers of families with children using shelters, along with Canada's continued reliance on emergency responses to homelessness, the connection between homeless children and education becomes increasingly important. Employing two separate focus groups with 8 children from Family Residence, this work revealed that living in a shelter had an effect on the educational experiences of the participants. This paper argues a need for Canada to adopt a housing-first, prevention-based response to homelessness which would alleviate many of the educational barriers currently facing homeless students. In the meantime, educational responses at the school and board level could allow homeless students living in shelters a more equal opportunity to engage and succeed in school while they are awaiting a permanent home. |
