Homeless Student Services Fund — Copy

Homeless Student Services Fund

Every day, homeless students face the daunting task of trying to focus on a quality education while worrying about the basic needs of reliable food, clothing and shelter.

Donors who wish to contribute to the fund, which will provide needed school supplies, clothing, food and crisis housing assistance for District 742 homeless students, can make their tax-deductible contribution by clicking on the Donate button below, or by sending a check, made out to “LEAF” to the LEAF address of PO Box 1132, St. Cloud, MN 56302.

A committee, which will work with the District 742 Students Services Department and homeless student social workers, has been set up to provide oversight of the fund expenditures.

Top 5 Reasons to Support LEAF’s Homeless Fund

1.  Your donations provide crisis shelter, food, clothing, and supplies for homeless youth
2.  There are approximately 300 homeless students at any given time in District 742
3.  LEAF has given over $35,000 to support homeless youth and their families in the past 2.5 years
4.  You realize a community’s health is dependent on the health and education of its children
5.  You are impressed that Randy Warzecha and Lucille Guita-Bates chose the LEAF Homeless Fund to support with their dancing talents!

Recent Fund 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.