More than 154,000 students in New York City were homeless last year, according to a new report by Advocates for Children. The Bronx had the highest concentration of students in temporary housing out of all the boroughs.
Kezie Thomas, a mom of two, told News 12 on Monday she has seen the impacts on her daughter, after she lived in shelters for three years.
"Her teacher also told me one time that she was sleeping in class, and I know this was not my Kristy," said Thomas.
Every time Thomas had to move from one shelter to the next, she said, her 10-year-old daughter, Kristiana, was forced to change schools.
"She wasn't able to build long-term friendships, and that affected her," she said.
Kristiana's experience is not a standalone case. Advocates said city agencies have to work together to promote school stability.
"If we want to break the cycle of family homelessness and make sure that our young people in shelter today never return, we have to make sure that their educational needs are met and that they thrive in school today," said project director, Jennifer Pringle.
Thomas said she notices the difference in her daughter after moving into a new home two months ago.
"She's telling me, 'mommy, my friends are really for me' and they include her in things. She's finally finding her place there," she said.
Thomas told News 12 her experience has led her to start a nonprofit in hopes of paying it forward and helping other women get back on their feet.
