PORTLAND, Ore. — Penny Scrivner, one of four bus drivers for the Community Transitional School, says she doesn't always know whether particular students will be at their stops to be picked up each day. She tells The Oregonian her concern for her passengers comes from her own childhood experiences with unstable living situations.

The Community Transitional School serves kids in the Portland metro area, with an enrollment of about 200 students ranging in age from 5 to 14. Once a child is enrolled, he or she can continue to attend the private school regardless of frequent address changes that would require transferring to another district.

Bus coordinator Tom Lechner prepares the bus routes, which change daily to follow students' frequent moves. Students are referred to the school by social service agencies, counselors and other parents at the school. The outreach coordinator also hands out fliers at area motels.

Along with transportation, the school provides students with free breakfast and lunch each day. Funding for the school is provided by Multnomah County, grants, foundations, businesses, churches and private donations.