Island School is one of 247 “community schools” in New York. These are regular public schools, with a twist. They have longer days and longer school years: Island stays open 12 hours a day, six days a week, including spring and winter breaks as well as the summer.

Lily, a character introduced seven years ago to address child hunger, returns. This time her family does not have a place to live.

Some community colleges have found innovative partnerships with their public housing authorities may help combat student homelessness.