At the beginning of the school year, almost 300 Spring ISD students in need were given backpacks, school supplies, uniforms and other items. The supplies were provided by SISD’s Homeless Resource Center, which was launched at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year as a joint effort between Harris County Community Youth Services and the district’s Federal and State Programs Department to help the district's homeless population. Resources remain available to students throughout the school year, said Ambreen Ali, HRC administrator and Title I coordinator for SISD. The center makes it easier to offer students what they need at an in-house supply center that was stocked in the months leading up to the current school year, Ali said. “I think many of the barriers to education faced by homeless students are social,” Ali said. “The idea is to try and remove those barriers as soon as possible.” The district and CYS caseworkers had previously offered assistance to homeless students, but the process often took a long time. The new center has improved response times and incorporates donations collected through SISD’s Family and Community Engagement Department along with federal Title I funds aimed at assisting children from low-income families. It also provides students with an array of donated books to choose from to supplement their learning. “I just feel it’s a labor of love,” Ali said. “It’s been a really rewarding experience.” Those interested in learning how they can help support the Homeless Resource Center or related district initiatives can contact the Family and Community Engagement Department at 281-891-6013.