Homeless Student Services Fund Recent History

In the fall of 2014, LEAF was approached by community members and school district homeless student social workers who asked if we would be willing to add a fund in support of these homeless students, to help ensure that they have a better opportunity for success in school. Local district and county resources and programs simply cannot meet all of the needs of our over 300 homeless students.

A fund was set up and a homeless student services fund committee, with representatives from LEAF, District 742 and the community began meeting. Through donations from individuals and businesses, the LEAF Homeless Student Services Fund has been able to grant $25,195.31 to provide healthy snacks, school supplies, transportation, clothing, food and crisis shelter for District 742 homeless students as of December 1, 2015. The district homeless student social Workers turn to the LEAF fund only after all community and social service resources have been tried.

Throughout the country, as well as in District 742, homelessness is a growing social challenge. LEAF stepped forward to offer community members the chance to directly impact the life of District 742 students who find themselves homeless and facing challenges few of us have had to face.