Poverty and homelessness have increased in Eau Claire annually since 2008. Each year, the Eau Claire Area School District serves approximately 250 homeless children and youth and more than 3000 students who are living at or below the poverty level. Homeless situations include one family living with another, a family living in a motel, an emergency or transitional shelter, living in a car, at a campground or in any other place not intended as an overnight dwelling. Homeless students and students living in poverty face difficult challenges and have critical basic needs. They often lack suitable clothing, funds for basic school purchases, and are unable to participate in any after school activities. It is difficult to focus on academics and many students living in poverty and a homeless situation struggle with learning Their academic success is at risk. In the 2013 -2014 school year, 240 students from more than 186 families were served. This coming year the district faces severe cuts in support of our homeless students. Your gifts to the Greatest Needs Fund are more important than ever.