Every day as many as 250 students are homeless in Corvallis, according to Chris Hawkins, CSD Student Support Specialist. The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night time residence including double up housing due to financial difficulty, homeless shelters, motels, cars, or camping. After nearly 20 years as a classroom teacher, Hawkins has seen first-hand the challenges faced by students who are homeless or experiencing the stress of deep poverty. “It is our responsibility to help students learn and to reach their full potential, no matter their life circumstances,” shares Hawkins. “The focus of our program is to help students enroll, stay in school, and receive the support services needed to help them thrive.” For more information about services available to students, please visit our Additional Resources for Students page.
Through a combination of Title I federal funding, general fund allocations, and private donations, school district staff work to help students be successful in school and more importantly to build relationships with students and families. A new resource, the CSD Welcome Center, opened last month to serve as a central location for students and their families to receive additional support.
The CSD Welcome Center, located in the Western View Center at 1435 SW 35th Street, will also be a place for families to receive assistance in accessing community agencies, resources and informational referrals. The center is designed to be a safe place where families can access school district and local services and will be staffed through a new partnership between the Corvallis School District and Casa Latinos Unidos de Benton County. Hours at the Welcome Center are Monday – Friday, 11 am to 4 pm, following the school year calendar. Supplemental food, hygiene items, and school supplies will also be available. To learn more about the CSD Welcome Center or to find out about making a donation or volunteering, please contact Chris Hawkins at 541-757-4352.