A 14-year-old boy who hadn’t been in school for four years asked his grandmother in East Akron if he could live with her. His home life had been unstable, and he didn’t want to return to school wearing worn-out shoes and shabby clothes.

She said yes, but enrolling him was complicated.

Project Rise stepped in, helping her complete paperwork and providing clothing, hygiene items, bus passes and school supplies. That teen, once disconnected from school, is now thriving and playing football at a community college near Columbus.

Last year, 1,450 Akron Public School students were identified as experiencing homelessness. Students may be living in shelters, hotels, shared housing, or without utilities. Some youth are living on their own.

Teachers and staff make most referrals after noticing sudden absences, behavior changes or signs of instability.

You Can Make the Difference

If you know or suspect a student may be experiencing homelessness, you can contact: projectrise@apslearns.org or by phone: 330-761-2969.

Your call could change a student’s future!