The Atlanta Independent School District Board of Trustees named Terre Gaston as the district’s homeless liaison. Gaston’s position will be instrumental in identifying and providing services for children who are homeless.
“We are proud to have Mrs. Gaston in this position,” Superintendent Jason Harris said. “She has done a remarkable job as our BLAST director, and we know that she will help Atlanta ISD make sure that we are providing all our students what they need to be successful.”
The services are provided from a grant the district received under the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief - Homeless Children and Youth funds.
“The state identified that there was an under identification of homeless students as a result of COVID,” Gaston said. “We got that extra grant, so that’s why we place emphasis on it here locally.”
These funds will supplement services already provided by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act that assists states in making sure children experiencing homelessness are provided services comparable to those received by other students in the school they attend, including transportation services and educational programs for which such students are eligible.
Some services that are available to homeless students include:
- purchasing needed supplies, such as eyeglasses, school supplies, personal care items;
- providing transportation to enable children and youth to attend classes and participate fully in school activities;
- providing access to reliable, high-speed internet for students through the purchase of internet-connected devices/equipment, mobile hotspots, wireless service plans;
- paying for short-term, temporary housing when such emergency housing is the only reasonable option for COVID-safe temporary housing and when necessary to enable the homeless child or youth to attend school and participate fully in school activities; and
- providing store cards/debit cards to purchase materials necessary for students to participate in school activities.
“Once we identify them properly, we can provide school clothes, school supplies, we can take them on field trips to colleges,” Gaston said. “It also applies to extracurricular activities. For example, if they want to participate in band and need an instrument or shoes, we can help with that. We want them to have the same or equal educational experience as their counterparts.”
The definition of homeless extends beyond those living in homeless shelters or hotels. It can also be those who are living with other relatives or friends.
“Homeless can mean that multiple families live in one household; they just don’t have their own household,” Gaston said. “It can be a temporary situation as well, such as one caused by a fire or a serious family problem.”
If a student becomes homeless, they or a parent/guardian can reach out to a campus counselor or social worker. This information is kept confidential and used only to provide additional services.
“We want to be the go-between for the family,” Gaston said. “We want to make sure they have all the resources necessary for a healthy, good education.”
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