Posted on August 24, 2010 by GISELLE ROUTHIER This week, the Coalition for the Homeless is kicking off our third annual Project: Back to School drive. We are partnering with the United Federation for Teachers, WPIX and many other groups, to put together 3,000 backpacks, loaded with supplies for homeless children. Last year, we were able to give 1,500 homeless boys and girls a leg up as they start school. We raised our goal this year, because homelessness has soared. Tonight, close to 15,000 children will sleep in the emergency shelter system. Homeless children face an array of difficulties that impact their emotional and social well-being as well as their school performance. On average, a homeless child misses a month of school each year. Children have to be present with their parents during the hours-long and sometimes multiple-day process of applying for shelter. Often, children are placed in a shelter far away from the school they had been attending. This stress, chaos, and instability faced by homeless families puts undue burdens on all of New York City’s homeless children. But we can all do something to help a homeless child start off on the right foot this school year by donating what we can– from pens and pencils to backpacks and binders. See our Wish List for more specific ideas. As many parents know, school supplies are expensive, but if we team up and all buy something extra, we can help thousands of children in need reach their full potential. Supplies can be dropped off at multiple sites around the city. Visit our website for all information about Project: Back to School.
