Overview:
Over 20% of St. Louis Public School students are unhoused, over 10x the national average. With the Gephardt Institute for Civic Engagement and St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS), Heart for the Unhoused is working to support at-risk youth throughout the district. Utilizing funding from the Transform Grant, we donated computers, snacks, and bedding to SLPS last semester.
The core of this project is creatively connecting different groups at WashU to create an impact in the community. With the support of WashU Sustainability and the Circularity Center, we sorted through bedding and furniture donated by WashU undergraduates at the end of the year. We then transported these items to the SLPS warehouse. As our grant funding expires this semester, this project will be focused on finding alternative ways to support SLPS students for the next few years.
Q&A:
What sort of events does the St. Louis public schools (SLPS) project organize?
We organize weekly volunteering at WashU Sustainability’s Circularity Center, cleaning and organizing donations to be reused or donated to the community. Additionally, on Moving Day, we moved bedding from the Circularity Center’s Share Our Stuff donation drive to the St. Louis Public Schools warehouse. We also organize regular SLPS events for at-risk youth, helping out as needed with the guidance of staff and social workers.
Who are the St. Louis public schools project’s favorite community partner(s) to work with?
Our primary community partner is the St. Louis Public School system, who have supported us through project generation and execution. Their dedication to their students is infectious, and it is evident in their regular meetings for at-risk youth. We were particularly inspired by Dr. Deidra Thomas-Murray, head of Homeless and Foster Care Services at the SLPS Foundation, who has come to speak at a HU General Body Meeting.
What are some goals that the St. Louis public schools project has for the upcoming semester?
With the remaining funding from the Transform Grant, we aim to supply 200 hygiene kits to SLPS. Additionally, we hope to continue our work with the Circularity Center and SLPS through regular volunteer events.
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