The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education heard an update on Project HOPE and families in transition during their meeting on Tuesday night.
Project HOPE serves students identified as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Students are guaranteed enrollment in their school of residence or school of origin, are afforded transportation to schools of origin if they move, and are automatically qualified for free and reduced lunch. School social workers at each school cooperate with these students and their families to identify their needs and resources.
The number of homeless youth has increased throughout WS/FCS in each of the last three years, peaking in 2023-24 at 1,188. As such, Project HOPE staff have been busy this year, providing food, shoes, hotel stays, sleeping bags, bus passes, gas cards, laundry supplies, and more to students and their families. They most recently pitched in at the district’s Fall Break Kit drive to make sure students have everything they need while they’re out of school later this month.
November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, a time of particular importance to consider the struggles homeless youth face and what strategies the public can use to help lift their burdens. The Board of Education adopted a resolution recognizing the month and pledged their continued support for Project HOPE in their fight against youth homelessness.
“Project HOPE has always been there for a ride or a meal or support, whether it’s academic support or emotional support,” said Richard Watts, a member of the board and a former principal. “I know that many of my kids wouldn’t have made it through elementary, middle, or high school without the support of Project HOPE.”
Also on the board’s agenda for the evening were:
A performance by third grade music and dance students from Diggs-Latham Elementary School
Recognition of Diggs-Latham Principal Dr. Cassandra Dobson as a 2024-25 North Carolina Friend of the Arts, as well as the 2024 grant recipients for the WS/FCS Education Foundation
Updates from the Bell Schedule Committee and the district’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters
Approval of school improvement plans and contracts for custodial services, consulting services, and professional development
The Board of Education will meet again on Tuesday, December 10 at 6:30 pm.