The Twin Falls School District (TFSD) is proud to announce its participation in the 2024 Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge, an online fundraising campaign running from December 9 to December 31. The campaign is dedicated to providing support for families and children facing homelessness in our community, helping ensure every child can succeed regardless of their circumstances.
The TFSD identified 430 children and their younger siblings as homeless during the 2023-24 school year, and this year, 317 children have already been identified as experiencing homelessness. These children lack fixed, adequate, or regular housing, which creates challenges for their academic success and overall well-being. Homelessness makes it difficult for students to focus on learning, and the Twin Falls School District is committed to addressing this issue by providing vital support to these vulnerable students.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child in our district has the opportunity to succeed in school and in life,” said Jenny Herzog, At Risk Coordinator for the TFSD who works directly with families experiencing homelessness. “Through the Avenues for Hope campaign, we aim to raise $5,000 to meet the urgent needs of our students experiencing homelessness, from providing food and hygiene products to ensuring they have the resources to participate in extracurricular activities.”
Donations to TFSD through the Avenues for Hope campaign can make a significant impact:
$150 can provide food for unaccompanied homeless youth for a month.
$75 can provide equipment, such as athletic shoes, to help children participate in extracurricular activities.
$25 can provide hygiene supplies like toothpaste, toilet paper, and soap for families who must make difficult decisions about basic needs.
In addition to raising funds, TFSD encourages the community to spread awareness about the campaign by sharing posts and updates through email, social media, and community groups. Every donation, no matter the size, will help make a difference for students facing housing insecurity.
The Avenues for Hope campaign is a statewide effort supported by various sponsors, which means that every dollar donated to TFSD can go even further through matching and bonus funds.
“We rely on our community’s generosity to help bridge the gap for these students,” Herzog added. “By ensuring their basic needs are met, we give them a chance to focus on their education and build a brighter future.”
For more information about the Avenues for Hope campaign and to donate, visit www.avenuesforhope.org/organizations/twin-falls-school-district. Follow the Twin Falls School District on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on the campaign and learn more about how you can support local students in need.