Educating Homeless Children Aim Of Hartford Foundation Grant

Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford-based charitable foundation has recently awarded a significant sum of money to help Hartford area schools tackle the problem of educating homeless children.

In collaboration with the state Department of Education on behalf of the Governor’s Kids Cabinet, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has awarded a one-year, $142,725 grant to the nonprofit RE!NSTITUTE.

The organization will lead a planning effort designed to support the Greater Hartford region’s education and homeless response system.

During the 2023-24 school year, more than 5,600 Connecticut public school students experienced homelessness, representing an increase of 63 percent since 2021.

Among these students, 85 percent were people of color, 26 percent had disabilities, and 29 percent were English language learners.

This sharp increase in homelessness and housing instability poses significant educational challenges for both students and educators.

Addressing housing instability can have a significant impact on improving educational outcomes for these students.

This project aligns with the Hartford Foundation's strategic priority of increasing stable education and employment opportunities for Black and Latine adults and youth in the region.

It will work to ensure students experiencing homelessness can remain present and engaged in school.

“The team at RE!NSTITUTE is excited to be working once again in Connecticut, where we have previously facilitated youth-focused 100-Day Challenges which have housed 395 people,” said RE!NSTITUTE Chief Executive Officer Sarah Robens.

“We are looking forward to getting going and appreciate the interest and support of this work from Governor Ned Lamont, and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.”

Lamont praised the program.

“Our administration’s Kids Cabinet has made responding to youth homelessness a top priority because students facing homelessness deserve our support to get a good education,” said Lamont. This new partnership will improve our coordination and response system in central Connecticut, so we can maximize the impact of our current funding — all to deliver better outcomes for students experiencing homelessness. I want to thank the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for their generous support, and for recognizing how government and philanthropy can work together in smart ways to improve lives.”

For more information on the program, click on this link.