City works with schools on ‘day of action’ to combat homelessness

As summer approaches and schools let out, the city faces an inevitable spike in family homelessness as those in overcrowded housing situations apply for shelter.

The city is working to address the problem on several fronts. As parents dropped off kids at 26 schools across the city yesterday, elected officials and homeless services providers were on hand to meet with parents and caregivers who might need housing assistance as the school year winds down.

The outreach is part of a $1.2 million homelessness prevention program started by the Department of Education and the Department of Social Services last year. Yesterday was the second of three “Days of Action” planned for this spring and summer to link families with services like eviction prevention, emergency funding and employment assistance.

“Schools must be anchors in their communities, and in close partnership with the Department of Social Services we are working tirelessly to ensure families in need can easily access resources available to them,” Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña said.

The final day of action will take place this Saturday at community events and other high-traffic areas.