From the classroom to the shelter: supporting Mid-Michigan’s homeless students

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Homelessness is increasing in mid-Michigan’s student population, according to Michigan’s Department of Education (MDE).

However, a network of support programs is helping students while they go to classes.

It’s a complex issue with districts like Lansing Public Schools helping provide those students with much-needed support in and out of the classroom.

Some of the largest districts in Mid-Michigan have hundreds of students experiencing homelessness. Data from the MDE shows Lansing has 604 students, or nearly 6% of its student body, struggling with housing insecurity.

“The majority of our families are sharing the housing of others, we also have families stay in hotels, the local homeless shelters, tents, cars,” said Rose Taphouse with Lansing Public School’s Families Overcoming Rough Times F.O.R.T. program.

The program meets unhoused students and families where they are, helping with enrollment, transportation, and basic needs like clothing and shoes.

“If we can provide a quality education, give our children a chance, help them make it through their educational experiences, and graduate, their chances of becoming homeless as an adult are greatly reduced,” said Taphouse.

Program coordinator Rose Taphouse says students experiencing homelessness face many academic and mental challenges.

“Our students are exposed to four times the trauma of their house peers, which impacts attendance, behavior, all of those things, it causes major anxiety, especially when students don’t know where they’re going to sleep at night,” said Taphouse.

Despite those challenges, people should remember they’re still just kids, something the city rescue mission of Lansing sees often.

“Last night, by example, we had about 28 children. The kids are ordinary children that look and act like everybody else and want to have a good time and build friendships.

The F.O.R.T. program also assists other school districts within Ingham County, like Holt and Mason. They also partner with agencies like Child and Family Charities and Advent House to provide additional support.

School officials say student homelessness is a community-wide challenge to provide families with everything from affordable housing to childcare.

Child and Family Charities offer support for families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Through our Resource Coordinators, we help connect individuals with local services, Medicaid outreach, and essential items such as food, diapers, and clothing. Our compassionate team works one-on-one with each family to provide personalized assistance.

For support, call 517-882-4000 or visit childandfamily.org.

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