MMSD Shines Light on Homelessness Awareness

Throughout November, MMSD's Transition Education Program (TEP) is hosting a drive for winter gear and essential hygiene products for students and families as part of its annual efforts for Homelessness Awareness Month. 

More than 800 MMSD students currently meet the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act’s definition of “homeless”—those lacking a “fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence”—a number that is projected to rise as the year continues. For the 2023–24 school year, homeless students accounted for more than 5% of the district’s total enrollment. 

“Homelessness is something that’s often silent and invisible, but for those experiencing it, its effects can be all-consuming,” said Jani Koester, TEP resource teacher. “For students, having dependable shelter is critically important to intellectual and socio-emotional development. It provides the foundation on which the learning process is built.”

For the entirety of the month, MMSD is seeking donations of the following: Hair and skin care products, laundry soap, body wash, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, toothpaste and toothbrushes, socks (any size), hair accessories, boots, waterproof gloves and snow pants. Donations may be made directly at the Doyle Administration Building (545 W. Dayton St.) or at individual schools throughout the city. 

Also, at its Doyle administration building, to both draw attention to and destigmatize the topic of homelessness, the district is displaying ribbons that represent the 1,357 MMSD students (and their 222 younger siblings) who identified as homeless at some point last year. The ribbons symbolize four distinct groups: non-school-age children, and elementary, middle and high school students; each group’s ribbons are a different shade of purple, the color of homelessness awareness.

“The ribbons are a physical representation of the hardships that many of our students and families quietly face,” Koester said. “They serve as a reminder that homelessness is not a problem that exists exclusively somewhere else. It’s right here in Madison, and whether we realize it or not, it affects our entire community.”

All year long, TEP maintains a donation center stocked with clothing and care items for students and families in need. Community members interested in supporting the center are encouraged to message tep@madison.k12.wi.us.