This is an urgent call for help. The Bright Minds Education Foundation’s Emergency Student Support Fund, which provides emergency assistance to Howard County students and families experiencing homelessness, is nearly depleted due to an unprecedented increase in need during the current school year.
Many residents are surprised to learn that homelessness exists in Howard County, Maryland. Statewide, homelessness has trended upward in recent years and here in Howard County, over 800 HCPSS students were identified under the federal McKinney-Vento Act as experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity last school year. The McKinney-Vento Act defines a student experiencing homelessness as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. For these students, school is often the one stable place in their lives.
When a family suddenly finds themselves in an unstable housing situation, a child may face barriers to fully participate and be available to learn in school. They may need a backpack, school supplies, transportation assistance, clothing, hygiene items, or other necessities to remain engaged in school. The Bright Minds Emergency Student Support Fund exists to provide support when other resources are not immediately available.
Right now, that fund is nearly empty. Without new donations, we may be unable to respond to the next urgent request from a student in crisis.
Your Gift Can Make an Immediate Difference. A tax-deductible contribution today can help provide:
- Short-term Emergency motel stays
- Vehicle repairs to help support school attendance
- Other critical assistance that promotes stability and reduces educational disruption during times of family crisis
Make Your Gift Today – https://brightmindsfoundation.
Every dollar helps ensure that Howard County students experiencing homelessness have the resources they need to learn, participate, and succeed. When a child is worried about where they will sleep, what they will wear, or how they can get to school, it impacts their education. Together, we can provide stability, dignity, and hope when it is needed most.
Please make your tax-deductible gift today and share this message with others who care about the well-being of children in our community. Thank you for standing with Howard County students and families during this critical time.
Sincerely,
Katy Sedney
Interim Executive Director
P.S. The need is immediate, and the Bright Minds Education Foundation’s Emergency Student Support Fund is already nearly exhausted. Your gift today will help ensure that the next child who needs assistance doesn’t hear, “We’re out of funds.” Please donate now.
