Merced Program assists homeless youths

MERCED -- High school students confront many issues and challenges growing up. Having to worry about where their next meal is coming from, what they will wear and where they will live adds undue stress along the way.

Roughly one out of 10 high school students in Merced, Atwater and Livingston is homeless and that's disruptive, even traumatic, to their education, Kelly Bentz believes.

Bentz — program administrator for the Merced Union High School District's child welfare, attendance and safety office — is in charge of a program for homeless students.

In the past school year, 1,001 freshmen through seniors in this area were identified as homeless. That's 10 percent of the total enrollment. That means they may share a household or live in a car, at a campsite or homeless shelter, Bentz said. Most likely the totals are underreported, as students and parents are reluctant to report dire circumstances.

But there is hope. The district has been using $50,000 in McKinley-Vento funds each year for three years, which provide free breakfasts and lunches; assistance with school and public transportation; school supplies and clothing; help in obtaining records; and referrals to community agencies, health services, counseling and tutoring.

Andrea Evans, who counsels seniors at Merced High School, said McKinley- Vento is a great resource.

"(Homelessness) affects students socially and emotionally," she said. "This program helps students so they can be successful in a school environment."

Bentz will apply for a $75,000 state-federal grant from McKinley-Vento for the next three years. The money is administered by the state Department of Education; the process is competitive, so it's not a sure thing.

Norma Cardona, 23, is a recent UC Merced graduate and a half-time children and youth liaison working with homeless students. She said the students are grateful for help.

"You can feel the weight is being lifted off their shoulders," Cardona said.

She said homeless students can use program funds for a shopping trip to get a backpack, binder, paper, notebook, scientific calculator, dictionary, index cards, pencil sharpener and a hygiene pack including a toothbrush, shampoo, soap and towelettes. One of the most prized gifts is a new pair of shoes.

Bentz said students most commonly use donated funds to buy underwear, socks, shampoo and deodorant. She is looking into collaborating with the Boys and Girls Club to provide mentors for students meeting certain requirements.

"We want to break the cycle of homelessness in hard economic times," Bentz said.