MaineHousing has announced a new pilot program to support homeless students in Maine, awarding $2 million in grant funding to several schools across the state. This initiative comes as the number of homeless students continues to rise in Maine, a situation that local school officials are working hard to address.
A Growing Concern: Rising Homelessness Among Maine’s Students
According to data from Maine’s Department of Education, the rate of homelessness among public school students has been steadily increasing. In 2024, 1.6% of the state’s students were reported as homeless, which amounts to a total of 2,825 students. This is the highest figure since the state started tracking this data in 2015.
The number of homeless students has grown significantly since 2021, when it stood at just 0.77% or 1,135 students. This increase is alarming, and school officials across the state are doing everything they can to support these vulnerable students.
Jeremy Ray, the superintendent of Biddeford Schools, is one of those leading the charge. His district was one of the recipients of the grant money, and he expressed that the funding would help them further address the challenges they already face in supporting homeless students.
“We put in a lot of effort to help our students, whether it’s providing food, backpacks, clothing, or even housing. People often don’t realize the extent of the work involved,” Ray said.
The Pilot Program: A Lifeline for Schools and Students
The new pilot program from MaineHousing aims to provide targeted assistance to schools and help address the many challenges faced by students living without stable housing. Biddeford Schools and other schools in York County were among those that applied for the grant, with hopes of receiving funding to offer more comprehensive support to the families in need.
Biddeford Schools were awarded $275,000 of the total $2 million. Although Ray had hoped for a larger amount to help with more comprehensive assistance, he acknowledged that even this sum would make a significant difference in helping the school meet the needs of its homeless students.
The grant money will help provide resources to ensure that students do not face barriers in their education due to homelessness. Schools will use the funds to assist with housing-related issues, offer basic necessities, and provide the necessary support to keep students focused on their studies.
The Emotional Toll of Homelessness on Students
The impact of homelessness on students is not just physical; it is also emotional. Jeremy Ray points out that when children don’t know where they’ll sleep at night or where their next meal will come from, it’s impossible for them to focus fully on their studies.
“If you went to work and didn’t know where you were going that night, think about how productive you would be that day,” Ray said. “Our students experience the same worries—where will they sleep, what will they eat, where are their parents? It’s hard to expect them to concentrate on schoolwork when they have so many other things on their minds.”
This grant will help ease some of these burdens and ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed in school.
The Role of Schools in Addressing Homelessness
While schools can’t replace housing agencies, they are often the first line of support for homeless students. Many school staff members work tirelessly to ensure that these students are cared for, both academically and emotionally.
“Schools are the only place in society that can’t turn a blind eye,” Ray said. “We can’t say, ‘Not my problem.’ We care about these children and their families. If the issue is going to be addressed through schools, we need to ensure that we have the necessary support, training, and funding to make a real difference.”
Ray believes that with more funding and proper support, schools can better help students overcome the challenges of homelessness and achieve academic success.
Conclusion: A Step Toward a Brighter Future for Homeless Students
This $2 million grant from MaineHousing is a critical step in providing the support and resources needed to help homeless students across Maine. As the number of homeless students continues to rise, it’s more important than ever that schools have the tools and funding to address the issue. With this grant, Maine is taking a positive step toward ensuring that all students, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
(Source : wabi.tv)
