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The face of homelessness is a child. A child who may have moved three times this year, may be living with a famliy or in a shelter, and may have changed schools numerous times. A child in this situation does not worry about learning or homework, but about where to sleep, or where to get something to eat.

 

FPS is trying to make a difference. The FIT Program, with the assistance of the McKinney-Vento (M-V) Homeless Assistance Act, is helping children and famlies with enrollment, transportation, and school meals. We can also assist children and families with clothing, school supplies, and connect them to resources in the community. Last year alone, FPS worked with over 270 families, who under the M-V Act met the guidelines for homeless. We need your help to reach and meet the needs of these children and families.

 

Causes of homelessness:

 

• Lack of affordable housing
• Deep Poverty
• Health Problems
• Domestic Violence
• Natural and other disasters
• Abuse/Neglect (unaccompanied youth)

 

Barriers to education for homeless children and youth:

 

• Enrollment requrements (school records, immunizations, proof of residence, and guardianship)
• High mobility resulting in lack of school stability and education continuity
• Lack of access to programs
• Lack of transporation
• Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc.
• Poor health fatigue, hunger

 

Who are homeless children and youth?

 

Individuals who lack a fixed, adequate, and reqular nighttime residence such as those:

 

• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buldings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings
• Living in hotels, motels, or trailer parks or campgrounds due to lack of affordable housing
• Awaiting foster care placement
• Children abandoned in hospitals
• Sleeping in public or private places not designed as a regular sleeping accomodation for humans
• Living with others due to lack of permanent housing as a result of economic hardship
• Living in emergency or transional shelters
• Unaccompanied Youth
• Migratory children living in the above situations

Useful Resources

(Note: All links open a new window .)
Local Resources List
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
National Center for Homeless Education
National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty
National Low Income Housing Coalition

 

 

Think about it. Every educated person is not rich, but almost every educated person has a job, and a way out of poverty. So education is a fundamental solution to poverty. -Governor Kathleen Blanco