Children account for the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. In one year, a typical homeless family moves 7-8 times. While families and shelters work to fulfill the basic human needs--food, clothing and shelter--the educational needs of children experiencing homelessness are often pushed aside.

Project Connect, part of Cincinnati City Schools, is the only program in Greater Cincinnati exclusively serving children experiencing homelessness. Each homeless child in the four county area of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren is entitled to an education and eligible for Project Connect's services. Founded in 1996, Project Connect provides advocacy paired with specialized educational services and lifestyle enrichment opportunities for children who have neither a voice, nor a choice in being homeless.

To help these children, Project Connect:

• clears obstacles to enrollment and attendance
• arranges transportation
• distributes school supplies and back packs
• supplies uniforms and clothing
• arranges immediate access to the free lunch program
• makes referrals to other educational resources
• offers an eight week summer academic and enrichment program
• provides tutoring and enrichment opportunities in after school programs
• encourages parents to increase their involvement in their child's education
• advocates and increases awareness of educational rights

Read what students and parents/guardians are saying about Project Connect and the services that they have received.