MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Metropolitan School District is still seeking donations of winter clothing and hygiene products for homeless families after hosting a targeted donation drive for National Homelessness Awareness Month.
At least 700 students in the district have been identified as homeless, according to transition education program resource teacher Jani Koester. That number is likely higher, but the stigma surrounding homelessness causes many to remain unidentified, Koester said.
The donation drive was only planned for the month of November, but because there are so many families in need, the district is looking for donations year-round.
“We are experiencing a very challenging time right now as we make sure that our donation center is full of the things we need for our families who are experiencing homelessness,” Koester said.
Homelessness can be defined as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, Koester said. This means that the definition is fairly broad, encompassing families who live on the streets to families who find themselves sleeping on a relative’s couch.
The district identifies these students through their online enrollment process, which asks a question about housing status. As the school year goes on, the number often grows higher as teachers and school staff have conversations with students about homelessness.
Elementary school students are currently impacted the most by homelessness within MMSD, Koester said. However, there are MMSD students of all grade levels currently experiencing homelessness.
MMSD is specifically looking for waterproof gloves, snow boots and deodorant to distribute to students.
Because homelessness disproportionately affects students of color, they’re also asking for African American hair care products. About 85% of MMSD students are students of color, according to Koester.
“It’s one way our community could really reach out to families of color because these are resources that go out to them,” Koester said.
People can also make financial contributions or donate gift cards to MMSD to purchase those items.
Upon receiving donations, MMSD Transition Education Program staff and volunteers package the donations in boxes and mail them to those who request the items from their school social worker. Individuals typically receive the donations within 1-2 days, according to Koester.
Though the items are largely requested by students, any families in need — regardless of identification status — can request items.
“Without these donations, and without folks reaching out to say, ‘I want to help,’ ‘what can I do to help,’ we wouldn’t have the resources that we have to help break down those barriers,” Koester said.”
To make a donation, contact Jani Koester at jkoester@madison.k.12.wi.us or call 608-204-2063.
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