POLK COUNTY, Fla. — More students dwelling in Polk County are experiencing homelessness than ever earlier than.
“It’s heartbreaking, it’s been a hard year,” stated HEARTH Project homeless advocate Mandy Stock.
In the quick six weeks colleges have been open, Polk County Public Schools HEARTH Project has recognized almost 2,400 students experiencing homelessness.
“One hundred percent we’re seeing more families who have never dealt with homelessness before, now having to figure out how to wade through. Figure out the system. Figure out how to reach out for help,” Stock stated.
Stock stated the surge in housing prices is partly accountable. “Families are no longer able to afford a house or property that they’ve even lived in or rented for years. They can no longer afford the increase,” she stated.
The HEARTH Project ensures students experiencing homelessness obtain tutorial success. School social employee Emily Virts stated a variety of highschool students are on their very own.
“Could you imagine being a high schooler and having to take care of yourself solely? That’s really difficult for some of our students. Some of our unaccompanied youth are staying at shelters. So, they’re not staying with friends or family,” Virts stated.
The HEARTH venture offers clothes, tutoring, medical help, however proper now they’re in nice want of donations.
“We always need crockpots so that families living in hotels can cook meals in the hotel rooms. Electric skillets are really helpful,” stated Stock.
Stock stated they’ll all the time use more hygiene merchandise, and reward playing cards for groceries and gasoline.
“It’s definitely a community effort to reach our families that are in transition. We want them to know that they’re loved and cared for,” she stated.