On December 3, 2008, Grand Junction Sentinel in Colorado reported the following: 
"The number of students classified as homeless in School District 51 for the 2008-09 school year is outpacing last year by almost 2 to 1.

"Cathy Haller, coordinator of the district's Resources, Education and Advocacy for Children who are Homeless program, said the program was serving 170 homeless children this time last year. This year, she said, that number already has reached 300 students.

"'We are really exploding this year,' Haller said, adding the lack of affordable housing in the area and a tough economy are contributing to the increasing number of homeless students.