Project Rise Supports Homeless Students

The photo above is Jennifer Montisano, Project Rise liaison, at the emergency supply cabinet (at 10 N. Main St.) for homeless families.

Being homeless doesn’t always mean living in a shelter, abandoned building or car. Families could be doubling up, living with other relatives or friends. If a student doesn't have a fixed, regular or adequate place to sleep or lacks basic utilities, they are considered homeless.  

That’s where APS gets involved, through Project Rise. The program identifies homeless students, offers immediate support and puts the families in touch with the resources they need.

The student population in Akron Public Schools is 20,000; and about 10 percent of those students, or 2,000, are considered homeless. 

The photo to the right is Jennifer Montisano, Project Rise liaison, at the emergency supply cabinet (at 10 N. Main St.) for homeless families.

“These students face a lot of challenges trying to get an education while homeless. All we can do is try to remove some of the barriers,” said Jennifer Montisano, Project Rise liaison. “We need a starting plan with each family, creating a better pathway.”

She said it starts with an intake worker, counselor and parent.

In Ohio, the Mckinney Vento Homeless Children and Youth Act gave Project Rise nearly $245,000 to provide assistance for homeless families with school-age children to ensure equal education. The Act is a federal law with guidelines to help state and local school agencies create the same learning field, which includes the development and staffing of professional educators. Funding from the GAR Foundation ($15,000) and Akron Community Foundation ($10,000) also helps the families Project Rise serves. 

“We assess the needs of the family and try to fill in the gaps,” said Rachel Breece, Special Programs Coordinator. “Children need stability in the most basic needs, shelter and food. There is a waiting list for hotel stays. Even with housing vouchers, there is not enough affordable housing in the city. Sometimes, when housing is found, it is across town. Students have to switch schools; or, if they have to move to Barberton or Norton, it creates a transportation issue.”

Last school year, Project Rise identified and served 2,057 students and youth. 

Of that number, 476 were between the ages of 0-5. So far this school year, 1,674 have been identified. Some of those are still eligible and are carryovers from last school year. That number is increasing every week. In Summit County, there has been a 56 percent increase in homelessness between 2022 and 2024, according to the most recent Homeless Report.

Donald Whitehead Jr., Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, blames increased costs of housing and the end of pandemic-related benefits as main contributors to homelessness. He said about 40 percent of the homeless work but don’t make a decent wage to afford housing, and nine out of 10 of the homeless want a job but can’t find one.

He said people need to step up. 

“If we give them a hand-up, not a hand-out, we can really change the direction of this country,” said Whitehead, one of the country’s leading experts on homelessness, substance abuse and racial equity. Whitehead spoke at a recent luncheon at House 330 titled ‘There is No Place Like Home.’  

Whitehead said he was successful while growing up. He was vice president of his senior class, Prom King, Mr. Senior and named most likely to succeed; but substance abuse drove him to homelessness. He is 25 years drug free and now an advocate for the homeless.

One in every 30 American children goes to sleep without a home of their own each year. There are 2.5 million homeless children in the United States. 

Trying to get an education while homeless presents many challenges to students. Project Rise makes sure everyone has the same learning field. A Project Rise student has the same right as every other student. An academic advocate in the schools is assigned to help them stay on track with their studies.

“The key is to get them in school,” said Montisano, “especially those students who are abandoned, out of foster care at 18” (those children who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian). “All the family meetings are held at the school. We want to make sure all positive things happen at school. If we can get kids to the school, that’s good; we can do the teaching part when they get there. We just have to get them there.” 

There are grassroots supporters in the community as well that target the homeless. Twice a month from November through April, Akron Snow Angels offers coats, shoes, boots, gloves and a hot meal with its Spread the Warmth Program.

Breece offers more suggestions on how the community can help. “Donations of gift cards are extremely useful as well as hygiene items, feminine hygiene products and laundry pods. Gift cards to places like Walmart, Target, Gabe's, Marc's, Aldi and fast-food cards are particularly helpful.”

• There are 10 shelters within the city of Akron.
• APS provides free breakfasts and lunches in the schools.
• Project Rise offers Walmart and Acme gift cards, temporary hotel housing, food, clothing, and access to 20 food pantries in the schools.
• 2.5 million homeless children/students nationwide
• nine of 10 homeless can’t find employment
• 1,674 homeless Akron Public Schools students

If you believe a student may be experiencing homelessness, please contact projectrise@apslearns.org.