Raise the Roof Housing for School Kids helps children and their families keep a roof over their heads. By Celia Jiménez S table housing has long-term benefits for children, impacting many aspects of their lives including mental and physical health and success in academics, which may later influence their overall success in life. Monterey County ranks in the top 10 counties for the most students experiencing homelessness in the state. Housing for School Kids, a volunteer-led organization, has stepped in to help turn the tide. Karen Osborne’s plan to help an unhoused family for Christmas 2021 sparked the effort. Friends joined her after realizing how many children in the county faced housing insecurity, data that is tracked per federal law. They first partnered with Downtown Street Teams, a Salinas organization focused on ending homelessness, and Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, helping over 50 people. Now the group works with the Monterey County Office of Education through its Connections Program, a countywide effort. MCOE identifies students in need, and Housing for School Kids provides funding. (The organization releases funds directly to landlords.) “Housing for School Kids is an amazing partner. Because of them, we have housed many families experiencing homelessness or prevented families from losing their housing,” says Donna Smith, MCOE’s director of program integration and support. The nonprofit steps in to help by covering costs such as rental application fees, deposits and more. It also runs a prevention program for families facing unexpected expenses including medical bills, rent owed or car repairs. The goal is to keep families in a home. In the past two school years, Housing for School Kids has helped 130 families, distributing nearly $420,000 in housing assistance. “Our type of program has been identified as the most effective way to help these kids,” founding member Sandra Leader says, noting that building more housing is a long-term solution. “This can provide some immediate relief so that these kids have half a chance to succeed in school.” Leader says they don’t meet the students and families they aid, but they do receive photos and thank-you letters. She reads one out loud: “We were all living in a room that we rented, and now we finally have our own kitchen, bathroom and space to feel safe and sleep well at night.” The Nedilko family, who came to the U.S. from Ukraine, lived with a relative for two years. After receiving financial assistance from Housing for School Kids, they moved into their own home. COURTESY OF HOUSING FOR KIDS SPOTLIGHT Healthy, Safe, Engaged Latino Communities The Siembra Latinos Fund has granted more than $200,000 to nonprofits improving the quality of life for local Latinos: n Advancing economic mobility n Improving educational opportunities and backing leadership development for youth n Investing in health and wellness n Expanding arts and cultural experiences montereycountygives.com/ siembra Call 831.375.9712 to learn more. The Siembra Latinos Fund is part of Monterey County Gives! Each donation before 12/31/26 receives a partial match at montereycountygives.com/siembra. Be a Part of the Siembra Latinos Family! CULTIVATE THE FUTURE CULTIVATE THE FUTURE 74 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com
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