Program Statement

Fort Wayne Community School's Homeless Assistance Program provides services to homeless children and youth through the assistance of the McKinney-Vento Act. The program provides resources to help eliminate the barriers faced by these students as they enter school. Through resources such as timely and consistent transportation, school supplies, tutorial assistance and program support for parents, our program will continue to grow and service the needs of our community. The program serves homeless students enrolled in school from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Several community agencies collaborate with FWCS in the implementation of the program, including community shelters and faith-based organizations.

Also included are several hotels throughout Fort Wayne. Desired outcomes continue to be the building of community awareness of specific facing homeless families and the direct educational assistance to homeless students.

Services

• Enrollment
• Transportation
• Tutorial
• Enrichment
• Referrals
• Clothing Assistance

Barriers

• Lack of permanent housing
• Emotional stress
• Lack of clothing
• Excessive absences
• Obtaining school records
• Stereotyping

How does the Homeless Assistance Program receive referrals?

Student and family referrals are made by administrators, teachers, counselors, social workers, other school personnel, community members and agencies. A simple phone call to the the Homeless Liaison will initiate the referral process. Every effort is made to link the families with appropriate services to address their needs.

Who does the Homeless Assistance Program serve?

The program provides services to youth and their families who are determined to be "homeless."

• lack a regular, fixed, and adequate nighttime shelter
• are living in a shelter, transitional housing, hotel, street, car, abandoned building
• are living doubled up with relatives, other families, runaways
• are school-aged unwed mothers living in homes for unwed mothers and have no other available living accommodations

Contacts

• Homeless Liaison:

George A. Fields, Jr. 260.467.2120

• Administrative Assistant:

Corey Martin 260.467.2120

• Administrative Assistant:

Kayata Earley 260.467.2120