More than 900 students in the East Side Union High School District in San Jose are living without stable housing.

The district’s McKinney-Vento Program exists to support these students, but with the holiday season approaching, the program is seeking more help from the community.

“We’re able to connect them with a variety of resources they might need — that can include short-term housing through our partnerships with local organizations, access to food, and access to clothing,” Associate Superintendent Teresa Marquez explained. “Many of our high schools have their own food pantries and clothing closets.”

One former student who experienced homelessness and later graduated said the McKinney-Vento Program transformed his life and that of his family.

“The program is incredible,” he said. “I used to live in a shelter, then moved into a tiny home project, and eventually my family and I were able to get our own home. McKinney-Vento played a huge role in making that possible.”

As the holidays near, the program is also collecting items that can bring some joy to families without stable housing, such as gifts and gift cards.

Those interested in contributing can visit the East Side Education Foundation’s website.