1 of 3 Milwaukee students live in poverty

from WKBT

New U.S. Census Bureau figures show the extent of poverty in Milwaukee.

The Census Bureau estimates 1 of every three school-age children in Milwaukee lived in poverty in 2005.

Milwaukee ranks sixth highest overall among the nation's 70 biggest school districts.

Statewide, 12% of children ages five to 17 live with a family in poverty.

Messmer Catholic Schools president Brother Bob Smith says he sees the impact of poverty every day in Milwaukee. Eighty percent of the 1,500 students in Messmer schools are eligible for free school breakfasts and lunches.

Smith says recently one student skipped school because her family was homeless and she couldn't get her uniform washed. He says children come to school in need of a warm coat or money for bus fares.