Tooele School District launches program to help students experiencing homelessness

TOOELE, Utah —  The Tooele School district is running a new program to help children experiencing homelessness.

Tooele School District Homeless Liaison Laura Burdine said in addition to providing resources to families, they also look at the underlying issues that lead to homelessness.

“We look at how maybe they might just need help with a down deposit to get into an apartment or a home. And if that’s the case we work really hard to try to raise those funds and work for them and try to get those guys taken care of.”

Burdine said there are 148 students in their district experiencing homelessness.

Homelessness can affect students’ performance in school, Burdine said.

“Just even getting to school creates a challenge for a lot of our kids who are experiencing homelessness. If you’re, you know, you’re living in a car up the canyon and you didn’t sleep at night because it’s freezing cold… The likelihood of you getting up well rested and ready to go to school and be there on time is pretty slim.”

Burdine said they’re always accepting donations of new clothes, new shoes, and school supplies as well as monetary donations.

Burdine advised everyone to be kind since we don’t know what others are going through.

Related: Layton High’s Teen Resource Center set to open Wednesday