Hope for the Homeless

8/1/2010

 Georgetown Independent School District & The Georgetown Project

MEETING THE NEEDS OF HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN GEORGETOWN

During recent years awareness has evolved of the fact that an increasing number of GISD students meet the McKinney-Vento federal law criteria for being considered “homeless.” Together, GISD faculty and staff, GHS students, and citizens have learned about this humanitarian need and have worked to support these students. Note the program initiatives below. 

GISD Student Services: Zelinda Richards, Family Specialist, manages the school district homeless education program with a mission of assisting all GISD homeless students and their families to be well fed, clothed, cared for and supported.

GHS Eagle Locker: GISD supervises this student-based initiative. This special program was created and is maintained by student/athletes at GHS as a means of serving their fellow students in need. Donated products and purchased items are kept in a GHS space and are discreetly available, free of charge, to students considered homeless.  Eagle Locker is now available on GHS, Ninth Grade Center, GAP and all three middle school campuses.

Eagle’s Nest: This “community energized” innovation is currently under consideration through the leadership of The Georgetown Project. Planning is being done to establish a community “safe haven” facility for teens that are not able to spend the night in their respective homes, do not have homes, or are in crisis and need assistance, including a place to sleep. The Eagle’s Nest will contain an Eagle Locker supply room supported by GHS students.

SUPPORTING WITH DONATIONS

Any person or group that wishes to support programs for homeless students may do so by submitting donations either through The Georgetown Project or through Eagle Locker. In each case, the donated funds are responsibly accounted for and a donor can be assured that all funds will be spent meeting the needs of homeless students.

Financial Donations by Citizens—Checks payable to:

□        The Georgetown Project (fiscal agent) for basic needs support to GISD homeless students and their families:  Mail to The Georgetown Project, P.O. Box 957, Georgetown, TX 78627

□        Eagle Locker (Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation is the fiscal agent):  Mail To Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation, 116 West 8^th Street, Georgetown, TX 78626

 Note: TGP and CTCF are non-profit, so any donations are tax-exempt

Inkind Donations of Products or Supplies

□        Food, clothing, toiletries, school supplies, etc

□        Donations may be coordinated directly with Zelinda Richards, GISD Homeless Education, who will direct the donations to the proper place (Eagle Locker, or directly to homeless students/families without Eagle Locker access)

Support for the Eagle’s Nest Initiative

□        Plans include purchase/lease/build and staff a “safe-haven” teen drop-in center/shelter facility

□        Donations may be made to The Georgetown Project at mailing address above

CONTACT INFORMATION

The Georgetown Project Eagle's Nest
Leslie Janca, TGP Exec. Director
512-943-5198   jancal@georgetownproject.com

GISD Homeless Education         
Zelinda Richards, Family Specialist     
512-943-5000  x6046                          
richardsz@georgetownisd.org                                                                                                                                                                  Gene E. Davenport, TGP Board Member                               
512-496-5967 sgr7473@aol.com