News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
About one out of five Van Buren County students are homeless or have substandard housing, and the school district needs your help to serve these families.
Homeless System Navigator Jill Bouldin said the school system has seen an increase in the number of homeless students this year.
“It is our vision to put together a place off campus for our families to be able to come to and provide laundry services for the families, a shower facility if needed as well as a having a food pantry and clothing closet,” Bouldin said.
According to the school system, 150 students out of the 799 enrolled have substandard living conditions. Bouldin said she contributes the rise to the tough economy and the lack of resources in a small county.
“For example, laundry,” Bouldin said. “We have a lot of families that don’t have a washer and dryer at home. They are going to neighboring counties to do their laundry. Our housing market here we have one apartment complex that is full. There are waiting lists. We just don’t have the resources that larger cities have.”
Bouldin said the school system is working with the county mayor and local Chamber of Commerce to find a space. Bouldin said any contributions will go towards basic necessities for these families as well as stocking the service building with food, clothes and hygiene items.
“It’s a big challenge for our students,” Bouldin said. “We see that those students aren’t at school as much as others that have a stable home. Their grades are also affected. It also affects social, emotional, their self-esteem and friendships because they don’t have the adequate things they need.”
You can contribute by contacting the Board of Education at (931) 946-2242.
