A self-referral or referral from a school staff will prompt initial contact from a Project Connect team member. One of our staff will connect with the referring person to gather further information to assess the student or family’s immediate needs. We will address barriers to education including school enrollment and transportation concerns.
Project Connect will supply a homeless verification letter to Head Start and Early Head Start programs that can help with childcare and preschool enrollment. In most cases, families with a homeless verification letter can avoid a waiting list.
Project Connect staff will address transportation needs. We will request a school bus for students of all ages. If a school bus is unavailable, we will offer other transportation options to help keep students arriving safely and on time for school.
Each identified student in Columbus City Schools will have an Academic Youth Support Advocate assigned who will monitor and assist with attendance challenges, and academic progress and will connect students to needed support. These Advocates follow up after the initial contact and stay with the student for the remainder of the school year.
Project Connect is an Access Point Site with the Community Shelter Board’s Homelessness Prevention Network (HPN). The team will connect the student and family to the HPN and Rapid Rehousing programs, which will help identify housing options
Project Connect will link families with community resources to access local food pantries and clothing.
Project Connect will encourage school stability and help address any academic or non-academic barriers to help keep all students in their school of origin.
Project Connect will help families navigate the various departments and services of Columbus City Schools such as Special Education, translation & interpreting services, career & technical education, and other school-related programs.
Project Connect will often become the first call for families when they are navigating their housing instability. They are overwhelmed and having the support of Project Connect can ease their overall stress. We are happy to help and be a part of their team.