Funding for homeless students drying up
By: Beth Winegarner
Examiner Staff Writer
February 2, 2009
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| The number of homeless students using resources such as this job coaching program at Larkin Street is expected to go up. (Courtesy Photo) |
SAN FRANCISCO — As the worsening economy drives more families into shelters, public schools are bracing for an increase in homeless students, which will stretch funding for those students thinner than ever before.
The number of homeless students, currently at 1,623, will likely rise this year, but the San Francisco Unified School District has made do with the same amount of state and federal funding, just less than $300,000 each year. It relies heavily on nonprofits to make up the difference, according to Tatum Wilson, coordinator of the district’s homeless programs.
California school districts are required by law to provide speedy enrollment, uniforms, school supplies and transportation to any homeless student. Providing those services can gobble up the majority of funding. For example, buying Muni passes so students can get to school costs nearly $100,000 a year, while tutoring costs another $110,000.
The City’s school district often turns to nonprofit organizations, but those nonprofits are taking a serious hit from the troubled economy.
“We get about 35 percent of our funding from public sources, and 65 percent from donations, and we’re definitely hurting on both ends,” said Toby Eastman, programs chief at Larkin Street Youth Services, San Francisco’s largest service agency for homeless youth, which works closely with the school district to provide additional tutoring, counseling and support.
“Private giving is down close to 30 percent, and on the public side we’re seeing significant cuts,” Eastman said.
At the same time, Larkin Street is seeing more youths under 18 who need help enrolling in school and staying afloat, even while living in shelters or motels, according to Eastman.
This year, the school district received 1,500 backpacks full of textbooks and school supplies from Feed the Children; tutoring services and scholarships from Children of Shelter; and gift cards and clothes from My New Red Shoes. That could change next year.
“With the economy, a lot of agencies are cutting back, but our populations rely on those services,” Wilson said. At the same time, “We are expecting to see more homeless kids.”
Districts receive money from the California Department of Education, which in turn is funded by the United States Department of Education. Homeless-student funding peaked in California at $8.5 million in 2004. This year’s total was $7.6 million, but more school districts are applying for funds, according to Leanne Wheeler, homeless liaison for the state Education Department.
“We would rather see more districts get a little bit, because that’s what helps,” she said. “That way, they have the awareness of homelessness and get some training to work with students.”
Students in need
The City’s school district is trying to accomodate an influx of homeless youths.
SFUSD homeless population:
June: 1,511
January: 1,623
Demographics at Larkin Street Youth Services:
36 percent White
28 percent Black
17 percent Hispanic
11 percent Multiracial
4 percent Asian/Pacific Islander
3 percent American Indian
18 percent 12-17 years old
37 percent 18-20 years old
45 percent 21 and older
62 percent Male
34 percent Female
3 percent Transgender
1 percent Intersex
Sources: SFUSD, Larkin Street Youth Services
