The COVID 19 pandemic has wrought huge impacts across society. One of the most affected groups is families with school-aged children, as our neighbors are all too aware. And especially hard hit are families that are also experiencing homelessness. This campaign is an impactful way to address this issue.

The newly opened Women & Families Shelter

KCF partnered with New Bethlehem Programs (NBP) and the City of Kirkland to launch a better remote environment within NBP’s shelters and day center services.

We successfully raised funds to cover the salary for a contract Education Coordinator, along with some additional educational supplies like paper, writing implements, and other necessities. The Education Coordinator works with the families utilizing NBP services, as well as the local schools, to provide guidance and organization so no student gets left behind. This critical role enables kids at NBP to keep pace with school, already made difficult with the extra challenge of homelessness, while their parents concentrate on work and securing full-time housing.

“Our family has 6 kids and it’s hard to give everyone the right help at one time without kids feeling like they are missing out or behind…especially with one of us working during the day. Our kids love school but it’s a challenge to give them what they deserve without extra help.” ~Mother of family staying at New Bethlehem Place

The additional strain the pandemic placed on the already challenging lives of school kids experiencing homelessness is hard to measure. A recent New York Times article highlights all the extra hoops these kids need to jump through, just to keep up in school. And the Washington Post has a illuminating piece about what it’s like to go to school during the pandemic.