MCPSS Secures $671,000 Grant to Lift Up Homeless Students and Families

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The Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) is taking significant steps to support homeless students and their families.

With homelessness on the rise, MCPSS is determined to ensure that these vulnerable individuals receive the help they need to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.

Thanks to a generous $671,000 grant from the Alabama Department of Education, the district is now better equipped to offer crucial resources and support.

A child coloringPhoto byLucas Alexander / Unsplash

Empowering Students and Families with Essential Resources

The grant will be used to provide a wide range of tangible resources, including bus passes, gas cards, medical services, and classroom supplies.

These items are designed to meet the immediate needs of homeless students and their families, helping them navigate daily challenges with a bit more ease.

Denise Riemer, Lead Social Worker and Mental Health Coordinator for MCPSS, emphasized that the district’s efforts go beyond just providing necessities.

“What we’re really trying to do is not only help them achieve stable housing on their own but also help their families feel a little more stable in their temporary setting,” Riemer explained.

The goal is to empower families, allowing them to contribute positively to their environment while working toward long-term stability.

Understanding Homelessness Among Students

As of 2023, MCPSS has identified approximately 5,000 students and families who meet the federal definition of homelessness, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.

This definition includes children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate place to live.

Riemer and her team categorize homeless students into four main groups: those living in hotels or motels, shelters, cars or abandoned buildings, and those paying for weekly stays at establishments.

The largest group falls under what’s known as “doubled up,” meaning they are sharing housing with others due to economic hardships, domestic violence, or other circumstances that have left them without a permanent home.

The Importance of Early Detection and Support

MCPSS has trained its staff to recognize signs that a student may be experiencing homelessness.

These signs include arriving at school without essential items like a backpack, being consistently hungry, or wearing the same clothes repeatedly.

By identifying these indicators early, the district can provide targeted support to help these students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Riemer highlighted the importance of these efforts: “We want to try to eliminate barriers so they can perform academically, socially, and emotionally as well as any other student.

We do notice that homeless students often face more difficulties in school, and that’s why we offer a wide range of wraparound services to help them get on the same level as their peers.”

A Brighter Future for All Students

The grant from the Alabama Department of Education is a significant step forward in MCPSS’s mission to support homeless students and families.

By providing essential resources and personalized support, the district is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term success.

MCPSS’s proactive approach ensures that every student, regardless of their living situation, has the opportunity to thrive.

If you or someone you know is facing homelessness, MCPSS is here to help. For assistance, please call (251) 221-4275.

Sources:

• MCPSS receives state grant to support homeless students and families
• Mobile County Public Schools taking action to help homeless students