The Daily The Sunday Read: 'The Children in the Shadows'
Sep 13, 2020
Samantha M. Shapiro, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, sheds light on the often invisible lives of over 100,000 homeless schoolchildren in New York City. She shares the story of Prince, a bright 9-year-old navigating his education during the pandemic, and discusses the profound impact of housing instability on families. Through personal narratives, Shapiro reveals the emotional struggles of parents and children living in shelters, as well as the systemic barriers that hinder access to education and support during these challenging times.
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Prince's Story
- Nine-year-old Prince, experiencing homelessness, navigates online learning during the pandemic.
- Despite attending five schools and facing uncertainty, he excels academically with his mother's support.
Invisible Families
- Homeless families, often unseen, struggle with shelter and education.
- They face bureaucratic hurdles at PATH, proving their homelessness and documenting their residences.
Fifi and Prince's Shelter Experience
- Fifi and Prince entered the shelter system due to domestic violence, facing housing instability.
- Despite efforts to relocate and find stability, they returned to New York and faced further challenges.