The outpouring of holiday support for our students experiencing homelessness is incredible!
“Many of these projects have been taking place for multiple years, and we are so grateful for the relationships we’ve created and the effort and energy that goes into them each year. We thank these groups and all the individuals who contributed for being part of the community of care. It is beautiful!” –Kelly King, KPBSD Students in Transition Homeless Liaison
- Kenai Central High School Spaghetti Feed and Auction – local businesses donated to the silent auction, more than 100 locals feasted, and nearly $6,000 was raised that will go directly to the Students in Transition program to assist our students experiencing homelessness, and their needs.
- 5 Star Realty and AK Express hosted a free Thanksgiving dinner for our families, and then the greater community
- Peninsula Community Health Services – gifts for students
- Kenai Peninsula Association of Realtors – duffle bags with gifts for 28 homeless and at-risk youth
- Cabin Fever Creations – assortment of hygiene products, socks, blankets and stocking stuffers
- Peninsula Job Center and Public Assistance employees – $600 worth of food cards for SIT Youth
- Kaladi Brothers Coffee Co. “Dale Tran’s New Years Day Giving” – 100% of all local KBC beverage sales on New Year’s Day will go to the Students in Transition Program
- Kenai Peninsula Borough employees and union members – lots of food for three of our SIT families and 1 unaccompanied youth
- Kelsi’s Closet – store special this month – with the purchase of a CC hat, Kelsi’s Closet donated one to a local school, and 65 hats were donated!
For more information on the SIT Program or to see if you qualify, contact your local liaison. Homeless Liaisons can help students and families access supports and services to address these challenges.* (see contacts below)
As of December 13, 2019, the Students in Transition program is serving 119 youth, and 36 are unaccompanied. By the end of the school year, we will likely average about 250 youth who are experiencing homelessness, and staying in school with supports from the SIT program. If you or someone you know is a family with K-12 age children, or an unaccompanied youth without stable housing at night, and open to assistance, please reach out to one of our homeless liaisons.*
Who are Homeless Children and
Youth?
Eligible children and youth are students who lack a permanent, stable, and
adequate place to sleep at night. This can include students who are living in a
shelter, hotel, tent, camper or car, students that are “doubled-up” with
extended family members of friends because of financial difficulty, or loss of
housing, students who are couch-surfing, and those in “substandard” housing. Students
may be part of a larger family unit that is homeless, or may be unaccompanied
youth (youth living in a previously stated situation with without a parent or
legal guardian).
What can the
Students in Transition Program provide?
• Immediate School Enrollment
• Free school meal benefits
• Transportation to and from school
• School Supplies
• Assistance in obtaining vital records
• Referrals to local social service agencies and public programs
Students who don’t have stable housing face special challenges when it comes to school success. It is hard to learn if you are worried about your next meal, about staying warm at night, or about where you’ll be sleeping next. Students who frequently change schools or are frequently absent lose out on valuable learning time and often fall behind their peers.
In the 2018-2019 school year, 224 KPBSD students were identified as homeless, using the federally required McKinney-Vento Act definition. These students ranged from Pre-K through the 12th grade, and received support services through our Students in Transition Program and homeless liaison staff.
*Homeless Liaison Contacts:
Kelly King
Homeless Liaison – Serving Central Peninsula, Seward and Tyonek schools
e: kking@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or call 907-714-8869
Jane Dunn
Homeless Liaison – Serving Southern Peninsula and Ninilchik schools
e: jdunn@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or call 907-235-4664
