Just because you have a place to lie your head at night doesn’t mean you’re not homeless. Indeed, there are varying degrees of homelessness — staying with friends and relatives for short periods of time, sleeping in a vehicle at night.

For those who meet any of these varying degrees, there is no place to call home: There are no family-style, sit-down dinners, there are no family game nights. In most cases, there’s little or no food on the table at all.

A recent study showed at least 100 children within the North Kitsap School District living in these conditions. Though the statistic changes throughout the year, having just one child, at any time, who only knows security within the confines of their school building is unacceptable.

As far as being successful in school, the deck is stacked against homeless children. Children need to be clean, fed and feel secure so they can focus on their schoolwork.

Knowing there are children out there living under these circumstances does — and should —strike a nerve. We don’t have to sit back as a community and feel helpless. We can fight back and reach out to these children and their families.

While the North Kitsap School District works with local organizations to do what it can to support and help these students who are facing daunting odds, there is more that can be done.

If you are able to donate money to your local food bank, do so. If you’re not, then use whatever means you have ‚ including your time — to help: Volunteer at a program that helps the less fortunate or school.

Just do something.