SPOKANE, Wash — Spokane Public Schools has launched its annual gift card drive as the district faces a dramatic 28% increase in students experiencing homelessness compared to last year. Officials say the current number of students facing housing instability is the highest since the 2008 recession, underscoring an urgent need for community support.
Sarah Miller, a member of the district's Homeless Education and Resource Team (HEART), revealed the scope of the crisis. “We have identified 1,222 students who are experiencing housing instability just within Spokane Public Schools,” she said.
Contributing to the issue, officials report that 277 students lack a legal guardian or parent. Students impacted by homelessness are living in a variety of unstable conditions, from shelters to motels, or resorting to couch-surfing or sleeping in cars. The district says these students are across across all grade levels - K-12.
Miller told KREM there is not one single reason why there has been an increase in students facing homelessness. Some factors she mentioned are the current housing stock, evictions and tension between family members. The district says it "ebbs and flows" based on what is happening in society.
To help those students the district has kicked off its annual gift card drive.
The drive aims to provide students with essential items during the holiday season, offering some comfort and relief during a particularly difficult time. The gift-card drive provides students with essential items, helping to make their winter break extra cheery and bright, officials noted.
"Our team is really skilled at matching those gift cards to what that student needs to feel that love and support from our community," Miller said.
The district said HEART also provides students with gift cards for experiences so student can spend time with friends - whether it's going to a movie or the local coffee shop. In other cases, she said she's seen students use the gift cards on their siblings.
Community members interested in contributing can participate in the drive, which runs through Dec. 10. Gift cards donated through the initiative will directly benefit students in need, ensuring they receive the support they deserve during the holidays.
- Drop off or mail gift cards to the SPS administration building (200 N. Bernard St., Spokane WA, 99201, c/o Communications Dept).
- Bring a gift card to your neighborhood SPS school office.
- Donate online to the HEART Trust (“select HEART Program Donations”).
- Mail in a check to the SPS administration building
Donations online can be made at this link.