The number of school-aged children experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia has increased over the past few years, according to data from the School District — and the numbers likely are even higher, due to workarounds such as couch surfing and temporary housing.

Housing insecurity and its related struggles can make school much more difficult for these students, explained Shani Meacham, the vice president of Valley Youth House, an organization in Philly committed to helping students experiencing homelessness.

“When you can’t think about where you’re going to sleep tonight, or if you have a roof over your head tonight, it’s very difficult to focus on the subject matter of what’s happening in the classroom, right?” she said.

Outside factors — such as poverty, lack of clean clothes and l

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