Coalition aims to help growing number of homeless students in Chambersburg

CHAMBERSBURG - A Chambersburg Area School District organization is seeking the community's help in its effort to support a growing number of homeless students and families. 

Since it was formed in 2014, the Homeless Matters Coalition, a partnership between CASD and local agencies and organizations, has sought to provide much-needed support to local students who face the dire circumstances of homelessness. With local organizations, it has hosted food pantries, given gift cards for groceries, provided clothing, and offered rent assistance and temporary housing. 

“Homeless students are among our nation’s most vulnerable,” explained Jacqui Wolfe, Homeless Matters Coalition Vice President. “According to the Department of Education, these students experience significant academic, social, and socio-emotional challenges and often experience lower school achievement and increased dropout rates.”

Its efforts have grown over the years as the district's homeless population has increased. The number of identified homeless students in CASD has gone up 63 percent since 2014, from 110 students to 180 this past school year. 

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“This program has grown over the years and Homeless Matters is providing more support for our families in need,” said Kristin Carroll, President of Homeless Matters and Assistant Superintendent at CASD. “The numbers continue to grow and the support has grown accordingly.”

The coalition relies heavily on support from local organizations, such as the YMCA, Maranatha Ministries, Salvation Army, United Way, local churches, individual donations, and many others.

“We are very thankful for the community members that have given hours of volunteer time over the years,” said Carroll. “We are also very grateful for the donations received throughout this generous community and the local businesses that support our cause.”

One in 30 youth ages 13-17 experience a form of homelessness over a 12-month period, representing 700,000 students nationwide, according to a study published by the independent policy research center at the University of Chicago.

To help local students affected, Homeless Matters Coalition has worked with local and school-based groups.

Last year, the coalition worked with Central Presbyterian Church to sponsor a homeless Chambersburg Area Senior High School student and his family, providing first month's rent and a deposit to help them obtain permanent housing. That student has since graduated CASHS with honors and is currently enrolled in college with a full scholarship.

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This year, the Fayetteville Elementary School Gator softball team assisted the coalition in packaging, boxing, and transporting food and donations as a way to teach students the importance of giving to others.

There are a number of ways organizations and individuals can support the coalition in its work to provide hope to families in need. 

Food donations may be delivered to the CASD administration offices at 435 Stanley Avenue, Chambersburg, Pa., 17201. Tax deductible monetary donations may also be sent to the administration offices and made out to: Homeless Matters, Attn: Kris Carroll

For more information on the Homeless Matter Coalition, visit their website at: https://www.facebook.com/chambersburghomelessmatters/