Only one Katy ISD campus was has remained closed after Tropical Storm Harvey, but thousands of district students remain displaced as a result. KISD counted about 3,500 homeless students—nearly 2,800 of whom were displaced because of Harvey—as of Nov. 8. “Their homes were flooded, and they had to either evacuate their homes or in some cases they’re living in inadequate homes,” said Nakia Coy, KISD director of federal programs. “The majority are people who have had to live with friends and family, hotels or shelter[s] because of flooding in their homes.” Normally, Coy said KISD has between 600-700 homeless students; this is the highest number since 2009. “We provide free breakfast and lunch for the school year [for homeless students],” she said. “If needed, we provide transportation from wherever they’re staying.” The largest increases in homeless students were observed at Bear Creek, Alexander and Creech elementary schools, Beck Junior High School, and Mayde Creek and Cinco Ranch high schools. The district is obligated to address the academic needs of such students, but Coy said staffers are also trained to recognize the effects of homelessness. “I think our district tries to remove barriers for a lot of our students,” she said. “Some families are undergoing emotional trauma.” Homeless students are permitted to continue attending their school of origin before they became displaced. As a result, the district’s transportation department has had the biggest hurdle to overcome, Coy and district spokesperson Maria DiPetta said. Bus routes changed to assist families. Despite the increase, Coy and Kristie Valdez, Title I parent support specialist for KISD, said they did not anticipate needing additional funding to address the needs of homeless students. Valdez said the district partnered with Clothed by Faith, Hope Impacts and Katy Christian Ministries to connect homeless families with necessities. The district has also received numerous donations from around the state and across the U.S. following Harvey. “I’m hopeful that families will be able to get back into their homes quickly—by the end of the school year,” Coy said.