Providing NEW Essential Items to Our Local School Children

Written By Alex Gawel

Set To Thrive has expanded its outreach to assist children facing homelessness, in addition to our assistance for children experiencing foster care. There are approximately 5,500 children in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties experiencing homelessness. We are partnering with local school districts to ensure that these students’ basic needs are met. Students who are experiencing homelessness are often enrolled in the McKinney-Vento Program.

There are children experiencing homelessness and foster care in every school district.  These are the approximate numbers for just a few of our local school districts.

  • Antioch Unified School District: 700

  • Mt. Diablo Unified School District: 700

  • Livermore Valley Unified School District: 200

  • Fremont Unified School District: 300

  • West Contra Costa Unified School District: 600

The McKinney-Vento Program is part of the McKinney-Vento Federal Homelessness Assistance Act that ensures the enrollment and educational rights of children and youth who lack permanent housing.  Students are eligible for McKinney-Vento services if:

  • they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;

  • are “doubled-up” – temporarily living with friends or relatives due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;

  • live in a shelter, transitional housing, motel, vehicle, or campground;

  • are “unaccompanied youth” – children and youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian; or

  • are runaway youth 

The McKinney-Vento program provides the following services to eligible students:

  • enrollment in school without having to show proof of residence or other documents (Bulletin S-13)

  • transportation assistance (AC Transit, WestCat, BART passes)

  • school supplies, referrals, and other items to support their educational needs 

Our school district partners tell us that children often do not attend school because those students lack essential clothing, shoes, and hygiene products. Set To Thrive is working to change that narrative, ensuring students can attend school and feel comfortable in themselves. 

 

Set To Thrive envisions a community where all children have the essential items they need to thrive in their community, school, and life.

 

Let’s make an impact together! How can you help? 

Thank you,

Lisa Henderson

Set To Thrive, President & CEO

 

 

**This information and numbers were provided to Set To Thrive by our local school district partners. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@settothrive.org. 

Alex Gawel
Next

Set To Thrive’s WHY