The Good Life – March-April 2024

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to provide these students the same educational opportunities as housed students by removing as many barriers to learning for homeless students as possible. But this law comes with limits. “One of the limitations of the Act is that (schools) get a certain amount of money,” said Calli Adamson Bakken, volunteer coordinator with Matthew’s Voice Project. “And they have limitations with how they can use it. <strong>The</strong>re are programs in place that can provide specific services, like getting mental health services for students, but if they don’t have transportation to get to that appointment, how great is that resource for them? That’s where we come in.” From gas cards to get to appointments to winter clothing to stay warm in the winter and everything in between Matthew’s Voice Project works hard to provide. Just like it has been for the past 12 years. Matthew’s Voice Project started out focusing on students ages 12 to 21. However, in the more than a decade since, they’ve followed the liaisons’ leads as to where the need is greatest with one main goal: get kids to graduation. “It’s not just our community experiencing this,” said Schuster, referring to the growing population of students without a place to call their own in the Fargo metro area. “It’s everywhere, but we can do something here. So my goal, our goal as a group and organization is to do what we can, when we can the best we can and make a difference in these kids’ lives so they actually know someone cares about them.” In addition to the emergency needs and funding they provide, Matthew’s Voice Project hosts a clothing closet for social workers and school liaisons to “shop” for things they need on behalf of students. Donations from local businesses and community members help to ensure this closet is stocked with things needed most and partnerships with other local nonprofits allow the love to be shared area-wide. “I could never have seen it going from the very conception to where it’s at right now,” said Schuster. “But I’m so thankful that people have come alongside and have taken part in (Matthew’s Voice Project) and have said ‘I don’t know if you need help, but I am willing to help.’ At the end of the day, the only way we can do this is because other people are willing to volunteer their time and efforts and skills and gifts.” Want to get involved? Visit MatthewsVoiceProject. com to see the items on their Top Needed Items list. You can also find links to their Amazon wishlist, as well as other opportunities to make an impact through monetary donations. You can also follow them on Facebook and join their email list for upcoming volunteer opportunities. • 16 | THE GOOD LIFE
• <strong>The</strong>re are approximately 950 students identified as experiencing homelessness across Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. • High School graduates earn an average of $10k more each year than those who do not complete high school. (U.S. Census Bureau) • From 2009 to 2019, the U.S. saw a 70% increase in identified students experiencing homelessness. • Students experiencing homelessness in N.D. are 31% less likely to graduate high school than their peers. • Nationally, it’s projected that as many as 50% of students experiencing homelessness have not been identified. urbantoadmedia.com | 17
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The Good Life – March-April 2024

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