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Madison Metropolitan School District

November is Homelessness Awareness Month

November is Homelessness Awareness Month

751 MMSD students are currently experiencing homelessness. 

On Nov. 1, staff tied 751 ribbons outside the Doyle Administrative Building to help raise awareness of Homelessness Awareness Month as well as the first day of MMSD's donation drive for hygienic items and new/gently used warm clothing for families of students facing homelessness or with emergent needs. This number will continue to rise through the end of the school year, increasing to 1000 or more students.  

Homelessness is often hidden and is experienced in many ways. Families, students, and youth may be staying in homeless shelters (both family or youth shelters) doubled up with friends or family, living in cars, hotels, campgrounds and/or on the street.  

The Transition Education Program (TEP) is the program in MMSD that implements the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. TEP helps identify, verify, provide consultation, support, basic need items, school supplies, winter gear and removing barriers for our identified students and families with and through Point of Contacts in each MMSD school and program. 

How can you help: All during the month of November and December, MMSD will be collecting new bottles of hygiene items. These and other items are always available through the Doyle Donation Center when school social workers submit requests. Look for these boxes inside of Doyle (545 W Dayton) or check in with a school near you and ask what items they are needing for their students this season. Questions? Contact Jani Koester with TEP at jkoester@madison.k12.wi.us or by calling 608-204-2064.