More than 900 students in the East Side Union High School District are living without stable housing, and as the holidays approach, the district’s McKinney-Vento Program is calling for donations to continue supporting them.

The program helps students experiencing homelessness by connecting them with essential resources.
“We’re able to offer whatever they may need — temporary housing through our community partners, food, clothing,” said Associate Superintendent Teresa Marquez. “Many of our high schools have food pantries and clothing closets.”

A former student who once lacked stable housing said the program transformed his life.
“I used to live in a shelter, then moved to a tiny home project, and eventually my family and I got our own place,” he said. “McKinney-Vento was a huge part of that journey.”

This season, the program is also collecting gifts and gift cards to help unhoused families find some holiday joy.

Those interested in donating can visit the East Side Education Foundation website.