SECOND HOME PROGRAM AWARDED $5,000 TO HELP HOMELESS STUDENTS
News Release from City of Gresham
Posted on FlashAlert: November 5th, 2015 9:00 AM
One of the largest impediments to achieving educational success, for many students, is housing instability. Through its innovative "Second Home Program" the City of Gresham wants to change that--and just received a $5,000 grant from the Nike Employee Grant Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation to help.
Second Home, a ground-breaking program that is a partnership between Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, the City of Gresham East Metro Mediation and Gresham/Barlow School District, provides housing to unaccompanied, homeless youth. Volunteer home-providers offer room and board to a student while they attend high school. Just launched earlier this year in June, Second Home recently placed the first homeless student in the program with a host family.
"At the City, we are continually working to make Gresham a vibrant community for our youth and families. But a quality education, community amenities and afterschool programs are not helpful for teenagers who are worried about where they will sleep at night. The safety and security that the Second Home Program provides will enable these kids to focus on achieving their educational goals and improving their futures," said Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis.
The grant funds will be used to help fund a part time program coordinator to interview students and potential home-providers. Currently, this function is provided through one volunteer. The goal is to raise $20,000 to establish this position, allowing the program to help more students in need.
"We're excited and grateful that Nike employees and the Oregon Community Foundation recognize the value in this program and support safe housing to Gresham-Barlow students," said Tera Cleland, who oversees City of Gresham's East Metro Mediation. "Our goal is to offer students the stability they need to graduate high school and be successful."
Community members or businesses who would like to donate to the Second Home program may contact Tera Cleland at 503-618-2684 or Tera.Cleland@GreshamOregon.gov. Community members may also contact Cleland to learn more about becoming a home provider or otherwise volunteer with the program.
Second Home, a ground-breaking program that is a partnership between Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, the City of Gresham East Metro Mediation and Gresham/Barlow School District, provides housing to unaccompanied, homeless youth. Volunteer home-providers offer room and board to a student while they attend high school. Just launched earlier this year in June, Second Home recently placed the first homeless student in the program with a host family.
"At the City, we are continually working to make Gresham a vibrant community for our youth and families. But a quality education, community amenities and afterschool programs are not helpful for teenagers who are worried about where they will sleep at night. The safety and security that the Second Home Program provides will enable these kids to focus on achieving their educational goals and improving their futures," said Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis.
The grant funds will be used to help fund a part time program coordinator to interview students and potential home-providers. Currently, this function is provided through one volunteer. The goal is to raise $20,000 to establish this position, allowing the program to help more students in need.
"We're excited and grateful that Nike employees and the Oregon Community Foundation recognize the value in this program and support safe housing to Gresham-Barlow students," said Tera Cleland, who oversees City of Gresham's East Metro Mediation. "Our goal is to offer students the stability they need to graduate high school and be successful."
Community members or businesses who would like to donate to the Second Home program may contact Tera Cleland at 503-618-2684 or Tera.Cleland@GreshamOregon.gov. Community members may also contact Cleland to learn more about becoming a home provider or otherwise volunteer with the program.
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