Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, no matter where they sleep at night.
From November 17 through 21, the School District of Lancaster joins schools across Pennsylvania in observing Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Awareness Week. This annual observance highlights the importance of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law that ensures students who are experiencing homelessness have equal access to education and support services.
Homelessness can take many forms. It can mean living in a shelter, staying temporarily with relatives or friends, residing in a motel, or finding refuge in cars and other temporary spaces. For children and youth, these challenges can disrupt routines, increase stress, and make it harder to focus on school. ECYEH Awareness Week is a reminder that education can be a source of stability and hope when everything else feels uncertain.
The Families in Transition Program
At SDoL, this commitment comes to life through the Families in Transition (FIT) Program, which provides direct support to students and families experiencing homelessness. The program ensures that students can continue their education with as few interruptions as possible and that their basic needs are met with dignity and compassion.
“Our goal is to remove every barrier that might prevent a child from getting to school and feeling supported once they arrive,” said Lisette Rivera, Families in Transition Program Coordinator. “We focus on stability, connection, and care. When students know that someone believes in them, it changes how they see themselves and what they think they can accomplish.”
The FIT program provides assistance with school enrollment and placement, transportation to and from school, referrals to community agencies for food, shelter, and healthcare, as well as basic needs like clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies. It also coordinates district and community resources through a task force dedicated to serving students with compassion and consistency.
Standing together as a community
ECYEH Awareness Week is not just about awareness, it is about action. The FIT program invites staff, partners, and community members to help meet the needs of students and families who are facing homelessness.
Priority donation items include:
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Primary: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (male/female), deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, laundry detergent, teen hats, scarves, gloves, and socks (all sizes).
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Secondary: Easy-to-open canned foods, microwavable meals, school supplies, feminine hygiene products, can openers, and canned meats such as tuna or chicken.
Donations can be dropped off at the Carter and MacRae Administrative Offices: 251 South Prince Street to the FIT program offices.
Community partnership in action
In recognition of ECYEH Awareness Week, the School District of Lancaster is partnering with CommunityAid Thrift Store and Donation Center to support students and families through FIT. From November 16 to November 23, donations made at CommunityAid using the code FIT #60003 will directly benefit students in need.
Donated items will help students and families shop for clothing and essential household goods. Items may be dropped off at any CommunityAid location or in donation bins located throughout the community.
Accepted donations include shoes, electronics, clothing, housewares, toys, games, and more.
Donation Center Hours
Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thrift Store Hours
Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This partnership provides a meaningful way for our community to contribute directly to the success and well-being of our students.
Click here to download flyer (.pdf)
The power of education and belonging
For many children experiencing homelessness, school is more than a classroom. It’s a place of safety, nourishment, and belonging. It can be the anchor that helps them hold on to hope and build a better future.
“Education has the power to interrupt cycles of hardship,” said Dr. Keith Miles Jr., Superintendent of the School District of Lancaster. “When we support students facing housing insecurity, we remind them that they are seen, valued, and capable. Every act of compassion, whether big or small, helps reinforce that message.”
This ECYEH Awareness Week, we honor the resilience of our students, the dedication of our Families in Transition team, and the generosity of our community partners. We are creating a culture where every child has the opportunity to learn, succeed, and feel supported, no matter their circumstances.
When we stand together for our students, we strengthen the heart of Lancaster.