SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A metro Atlanta high school is offering resource services supporting unhoused, displaced students and their families who live in the suburbs.
At least 20% of students in the suburbs are experiencing homelessness.
The Link is home to North Springs High School in Sandy Springs. The program offers free groceries, free clothing and shoes, laundry services, and more. The Link is a student and family engagement center that is funded through local, federal and state efforts, according to the school. Its program helps students who attend the high school.
For Sandy Springs mother of five, Tekeria, the program has been a significant help in supporting her children.
"They’re my heart, I have to do everything I can to take care of them," said the mother.
She and her family are one of many suburban families suffering in silence. Tekeria's struggle became even harder when a fire at their apartment complex in June displaced her family.
"Having a roof over your head is very hard. You can have one or two jobs and it still doesn’t make ends meet. I’ve had three jobs," the mother said.
Tekeria and her children are currently living in a motel. She turned to a local nonprofit called Dreamz Always Come True, which was able to connect her with the engagement center through the school district.
"I rely on them a lot because it’s been very hard trying to pay day by day or week by week," Tekeria said.
Maia Smith, the school's social worker, and Coordinator Diahann Fulwider manage the program, school officials said.
"There is a population of people here that are struggling," said Fulwider. The coordinator added struggling families are using the resources more than they thought.
The center is located on the lower level of the E hall at the high school. Officials said that the program is supposed to help eliminate academic and social barriers that could impact a student.
Groceries are provided by the Spartan Market. Free groceries are offered on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The hours for each day are below for those families of students at the school in need:
- Wednesday: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
School officials also said the program provides mental health services and support group services including anger management, LGBTQIA+ support groups and resources for those battling anxiety, stress and depression.
The high school will also hold a community circle cookout for those in need on Sunday starting from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
To find more resources or information about the center or on how to get your family involved, click here.
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