Each day students in our district miss school because of a transportation crisis
- They didn’t make it to the bus stop on time and their parents couldn’t afford to buy gas for the car to take them.
- They’re couch surfing at a friend’s place and don’t have a way to get to their designated school.
- Their family lives in their car, at a local shelter, or on the streets without access to transportation.
We know that low attendance significantly impacts student learning and long-term outcomes for academic success.
In our Northshore…
Nearly 200 students are identified each year as experiencing homelessness in the Northshore School District.
According to Ana Foy, Northshore School District homeless services coordinator and McKinney-Vento liaison, approximately 55 students have been identified in the first 90 days of school as eligible to receive housing, transportation, and food assistance.
Of those 55 students, approximately 50 of them are receiving transportation support from NSD McKinney Vento drivers to ensure that every day they enter the doors of their school for the opportunity to focus on their education. Funding for this transportation comes from the Northshore School District’s Budget.
From the Foundation…
The Northshore Schools Foundation has been providing funding to support students experiencing homelessness since 2010. With the support of sponsors and donors, more than $16,000 was provided to support those students with school supplies, clothing, and other emergent needs while they work to find stable housing. While Orca Cards are available for free for students under 18, each year we are asked to support seniors who are 18 and older and no longer qualify for free Orca cards.
According to Foy, “Removing Barriers funds provided by the Foundation have been used to cover the cost of driver’s education classes so students can get their license and become more self-sufficient.”
In addition to funds provided to support students experiencing homelessness, the Foundation’s Removing Barriers Program has provided more than $4,000 to help families purchase gas in the last 2 years.
We couldn’t do this without your continued support of our Removing Barriers Programs. Thank you!
If you would like to support programs like this funded by the Northshore Schools Foundation, you can make your tax-deductible donation here.