Without A Home

September 13 - Three local children were found living in a car. Wichita Police took them into custody and are now working with S.R.S. to resolve the situation. School leaders say this case is a sign of a bigger problem. Every year the Wichita school district helps hundreds of homeless children find stability. The children found living in the car are part of the latest family Sue Steele is helping. The mother and three kids ages 8, 9 and 10 have been living in the car for the past month.

The three kids attend Jefferson Elementary. When the school learned of their problem, Steele and police stepped in to help. Authorities say this is not a criminal case, just a situation where a family needs help that social services may be able to provide. Although living in a car is unusual, childhood homelessness is not out of the ordinary in Wichita. Last year Steele helped 825 kids, most of them were living in shelters or motels.

Steels says even families forced to stay with others should be considered homeless and get the community's help. The three students from Jefferson Elementary are in foster care until the family can get back on it's feet. Their mother is not facing any charges. The children were being taken care of, but were simply without a home.