The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has over 13,000 students who identify as homeless. Those students are met with a unique set of challenges as they work towards their education. We often see children coming into our program who have changed schools several times in one school year. For some families, this means their children are not enrolled in school at all during these transitions.

LAUSD has a Homeless Education Program to help address the challenges that affect homeless students and their families. Counselors work in collaboration with school personnel and community service agencies, like the Rescue Mission Alliance San Fernando Valley, in an effort to maximize access to various educational, social and enrichment programs, which promote academic success and student achievement. This helps to ensure that all students, regardless of their living situation, are enrolled in school, attending, engaged, and on-track to graduate.

Matthew Meyers is the Homeless Education Program Counselor for the mission. He meets with each family who enters our program to help with enrollment issues, make sure they have the necessary supplies (backpacks, school supplies, clothing, transportation, etc.), and help educate parents on their educational rights.

“We have the shared vision of assisting our families; the mission provides housing resources, and the Homeless Education Program provides support through educational access. It is a pleasure to work with such an outstanding team of committed individuals,” said Matthew.

Thanks to our partnership with Matthew and the LAUSD Homeless Education Program, we are able to help students get back on track with their education faster than ever before.