Atlanta Public Schools (APS) recently recognized National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week to educate and bring awareness to how both issues impact students and their families.
On Nov. 21, the Homeless Education Program invited APS staff to “Stuff the Bus” with donated household items to support Covenant House Georgia, a youth shelter that works to create safe and comfortable living units for youth experiencing homelessness and escaping trafficking. The shelter houses youth ages 16 to 24 and features an on-site facility that allows students to transition into permanent housing.
APS Homeless Liasion Sana Ali-Jackson organized the event, which was held at the APS Student and Family Support Center. She thought it would be a great idea to collaborate with the Covenant House to help youth start anew and move into fully furnished apartments.
“Students can also take those items with them when they move into permanent housing,” Ali-Jackson said, noting that this year’s event marks the first time APS has partnered with the non-profit organization. “We want to help [the Covenant House] offset that expense by supplying donations, supporting the community, and stocking at least one of their apartments for a student. Many youth don’t come with anything, so we’re looking for household items that they can use regularly and make a home.”
Dr. Dammeon Marshall, a school social worker at Humphries Elementary School, answered the call and donated sheets, blankets, and several useful kitchen supplies.
“I donated because I have compassion for people,” Dr. Marshall said. “I was one of those individuals in need as a child, so I’ve always tried to give back. You never know what people are going through. People don’t always tell their story, but we all have one.”
During the event, staff and other donors joyfully placed their items inside an APS school bus, filling it with dozens of items ranging from blankets and cookware to mouthwash and paper towels.
According to national statistics, one in six children in the Atlanta area will go hungry each night, and 1 million students from Pre-K to 12th grade were identified as experiencing homelessness in the United States.
Ali-King said she’s proud to shine the spotlight on such an important issue.
“A lot of these students are unaccompanied, so they really don’t have anything and we’re just excited to let them know that their APS community is here to support them,” she said. “We see them.”