Many students at Bozeman High School are not aware of the effect that homelessness has on teenagers in our midst. Currently there are 56 students in our district whose families are in transition, between jobs, staying in a motel, couch-surfing, or have been evicted. These families require assistance with food, shelter, and supplies. This is especially true now that the cold has swept upon Bozeman. Fortunately, our community recognizes homelessness as an important issue and the Gallatin Valley has a variety of organizations that support local families in need.

The newest program in our community is the food and clothing room “supply shelf.” The room has existed for about a year and has not been widely publicized. However, it has quickly become an effective and timely resource for direct help to students and qualified families in our school district. The supply room at Bridger Alternative School within BHS supplies everything from toiletry items to food, shoes, clothing, and school supplies. Families or students in our district that are referred to the school services coordinator receive immediate assistance in the food and clothing room and then are directed to the numerous community-based resources. With limited storage capacity, the supply room can only serve as a starting point for what is available to homeless families in the district.

“A lot of people associate the homeless with standing on a street corner with a sign, however, it’s important to note that isn’t always the case,” says Anna Edwards, Family-School Services Coordinator for the Bozeman School district. Families are the fastest rising population of homeless in the country. The effects of homelessness are felt most by children and its impact on their education and school life can be devastating. A 2011 survey conducted by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reports that there are around 300 homeless youth under the age of 18 in Montana. Students that are homeless or in transition cannot be expected to concentrate on school if their basic needs haven’t been met.

“It’s impossible to focus on school if you haven’t eaten or haven’t gotten any sleep because you have nowhere to go. We have to make sure these kids are getting what they need,” Edwards urges. Not exclusive to high school students, a variety of people come and use the shelf for assistance. Some families need to use the room daily, and others just need the extra help once.

Donations are always welcome at the supply shelf. School supplies are needed year round for students K-12, and Edwards encourages donations of warm winter coats, hats, and gloves to help families combat the long Montana winter.
“Homelessness is more common than we think, and it’s important to know this resource is here for anyone in the district who needs it,” says Edwards. The shelf has seen great support from the school district and the community and will hopefully be able to successfully continue to serve the needs of our fellow students well into the future.

If you wish to donate supplies or refer a student or family to the supply shelf please contact Anna Edwards at 406-522-6118.

Donate your time and support this holiday season to the projects in Gallatin County that assist our community members in need:
- The Greater Gallatin Homeless Action Coalition
- Family Promise
- Haven Abuse Shelter
- Salvation Army
- Gallatin Valley Food Bank
- The Community Cafe which offers warm meals 365
days a year from 5-7 p.m.
- Human Resource Development Council (HRDC)
- The Warming Center, provides overnight shelter to people experiencing
homelessness November 15 through March 31st

Statistics:
-The Warming Center saw 1,128 visits last year
-The Gallatin Valley Food Bank saw a record this October with 1,109 families
requiring food, and on average sees 65-70 families a day
-The Community Cafe serves around 2,000 meals a month

Rosalyn Kutsch is a Bozeman High School student and Hawk Talk contributor.