Bronx pilot program aiming to support student homelessness could expand citywide
"Every Child & Family is Known" is a program that pairs school staff with students and families in shelters.
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A Bronx pilot program that is aiming to support students who are homeless may expand citywide.
"Every Child & Family is Known" is a program that pairs school staff with students and families in shelters.
The program launched in 2024 in select Bronx schools. Its goal is to support unhoused families through the New York City school system.
The support includes food, clothing, family workshops and trips.
P.S. 70 is part of the pilot program. Principal Roxanne Ledda says that when a student feels safe and secure, it shows in the classroom.
"I mean, it just makes sense! There are certain priorities that have to be met before a child can truly learn," she said.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said in a post to X that currently 140,000 kids don't have stable or permanent housing.
On Oct. 8, while on the campaign trail, he promised to double the program's funding and expand it.
Parents say the program has improved their children's lives significantly.
"Everything has been, like, great. I've seen a progress. Even her grades has changed a little bit. Reading has been on point," said one parent.
School faculty say the program expansion would be a game-changer for city students facing unstable housing.
