The September meeting of the Manhattan branch of AAUW featured a talk by Stan Ward, titled “Poverty in Our Community.” Ward researches, writes and administers grants that aid students and families in USD 383. Ward relates that as a whole, USD 383 can be described as low poverty. However, this simplification does not capture the changing demographics of our community. For many years, Ward has gathered information on homeless students. In 2008, the numbers jumped from about 7 to 70. Each year since, the numbers have continued to climb. This year the number is enough to fill an entire elementary school. USD 383 also has more than 1000 migrant students. Ward asks people to consider what is happening, what the impact is upon our schools, and the type of support the district may need. There are many situations cause homeless. Children who live in cars, on street, in shelters are all considered homeless. Also, children who are living in another household due to economic hardship are considered homeless. He notes that a Peine Family Foundation funded survey done last summer identified sub-standard housing as a major community issue. Of all the challenges that affect children, poverty can have incredibly pervasive effects. Poverty affects health, nutrition, vocabulary size and literacy. To learn more, Ward recommends visiting hearus.org to view documentaries of homeless students.

The next Manhattan AAUW branch meeting will be held at the First Congregational Church, 700 Poyntz Avenue, 6pm, Monday, October 12. Persons interested in learning more about AAUW in Manhattan may go to manhattan-ks.aauw.net or email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com.