We are asking for help. A family we have worked with for a year is experiencing homelessness, at the same time as they transition to new schools. Will you help them land on their feet with as much support as possible?
“Sam” was only 8 years old when we started working with the “Murray” family a year ago. His school kept removing him from class, promising support for his disability and never delivering. Then his 12-year-old sister, “Mara” faced a 180-day expulsion for a first offense. These are the kinds of challenges you expect to hear from SAC. But you know what? Our families often face much more than school trouble. And indeed, the Murrays lost their housing this summer.
As you know, far too many families are experiencing homelessness right now. In fact, one in about 40 Michigan school children experiences homelessness in a year — a number that has grown every year for the past five. Too often these families have no one to assist.
That’s where you come in.
With your support, SAC got right to work when we heard about the Murrays’ housing crisis. We paid for an emergency hotel stay and started delivering food and hygiene boxes, while the mom worked. But they still need your help.
Sam, Mara and other children experiencing homelessness are much more likely to struggle in school, miss class and drop out of school entirely — not to mention the emotional stress and toll of uncertainty.
There is no quick fix for families struggling with school troubles and homelessness. We know periods of homelessness are lasting longer and longer. And resolving school issues can also take longer, given more complex disabilities and trauma, school staff shortages, and cuts at the federal and state level.
This is where you come in. Your donation means families get the steady, consistent care and support they need — whether that is transportation to an appointment, emergency hotel stay, referrals or advocacy. Your donation provides the support children need to make it through a crisis like this and find school success.
Sam is headed to a new school after a lengthy state complaint process found the previous district in violation of federal law. We helped Mara avert that expulsion and she too is headed to a new school. This transition — especially given the housing crisis — is so important. They need help with school uniforms, transportation, school supplies and the typical weekly check-ins to make sure school is working for these students.
The unexpected will pop up. Can you donate today to make sure the Student Advocacy Center can be there? Children like Sam and Mara are depending on you.