White County Schools utilizing a $94,307.92 federal grant through the Title IX McKinney-Vento program to provide essential support and resources for more than 400 students currently identified as experiencing homelessness.
Director Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the funding primarily covers the salaries of two liaisons who work through the Family Resource Center to assist families in need.
“We have students that are doing that, that are couch hopping and staying with different families,” Dronebarger said, “And so we estimate in White County that, you know, a large percentage of our students are involved in that type those types of situations.”
Dronebarger said the McKinney-Vento Act is a long-standing federal law that defines homelessness beyond just sleeping in cars or abandoned buildings. Dronebarger said the definition also encompasses students staying in hotels, trailer parks, campgrounds, or “doubled up” situations where several families share a single household.
“Well, we’ve seen really with the economics of just our community and really the state of the nation right now that, you know, more and more people are having difficult time making ends meet,” Dronebarger said. “And so we see a lot of folks that are living together and, you know, several families in one single household and just trying to make ends meet and, they’re just not able to put it together week by week, month by month.”
The grant-funded liaisons work under the direction of Family Resource Center Director Beverly Dronebarger to conduct home visits and remove barriers to education. Kurt Dronebarger said these staff members assist with transportation, food, clothing, and medical needs such as doctor’s appointments or immunizations.
“And so whatever barriers are in their lives that are preventing them to have a good quality education, that’s what this these liaisons do,” Dronebarger said. “And there’s also some money in there for some other indirect costs and some materials and supplies so that they can buy emergency clothing or food needs for families that have them.”
Dronebarger said the school system identifies students through self-identification at the start of the year and through word of mouth in the community. Dronebarger said school officials also drive to various dwellings and areas to check on families and offer assistance.
“Just that it’s available and it’s confidential and we are here to help you,” Dronebarger said. “We understand that, you know, life happens to all of us and life can be difficult at various stages for everyone that’s walking this journey and we want to help you walk it walk it a little more comfortably.”
Dronebarger said the district relies on community partners to provide additional services like eyeglasses, dental care, and healthcare that fall outside the school system’s scope. Families in need of assistance can reach out to the White County Schools central office or visit the district website.
