Starmont Awarded Grant to Help Students Experiencing Homelessness

Starmont has received a grant to help students and families experiencing homelessness. 

The Iowa Department of Education on Wednesday announced that twenty-five school districts received more than four-hundred-thousand dollars in competitive grants to support transportation and basic needs of students and families experiencing homelessness. 

The Resource Hub and Transportation Grants for Students Experiencing Homelessness will help Iowa school districts address barriers that may prevent students from getting to and attending school by connecting them to critical resources.

The Starmont Community School District, which serves the Arlington, Lamont and Strawberry Point areas, was awarded $10,000 to create or sustain school resource hubs in school so students experiencing homelessness can access basic necessities. Fund uses include personal hygiene supplies, clothing, food, emergency supplies, access to washer and dryers, portable shower units and materials needed to create sustainable food pantries and clothing closets.

Starmont was also one of eight school districts to receive a Transportation Grant to help with the cost of transportation for students experiencing homelessness so they can safely get to and from school. The $30,000 grant can help with public and private transportation services, gas cards and, in certain cases, vehicle purchases.

photo courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH