Help Students Affected by Homelessness Get an Education

The Ozone House in Ann Arbor needs to pack 750 backpacks to start the school year. There are opportunities for the community to help during the last two weeks in August. By way of The Education Project, students experiencing homelessness or unstable living situations can enroll, regularly attend and succeed in school. Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, students who experience homelessness must have equal access to free and appropriate public education. The Ozone House will provide resources for youth to stay in school.
The Education Project relies on a combination of grant support from the state and donations from members of the community. Many of the items provided to families, like toiletries and school supplies, are supplied through donations. This allows The Education Project the ability to fund other school related expenses like field trips, sports/activities, tutoring services and temporary transportation for students.
Volunteers are needed to help with the followings tasks:
Inventory Management Count, sort and organize school supplies, toiletries, clothing, etc. to be distributed to students and families. Assemble school supply and toiletry kits as needed.
Distribution of Supplies Deliver backpacks and other supplies to schools, shelters, etc. to be given to students. (Completion of Volunteer Orientation/Training, Background Check and Fingerprinting required.)
Shoppers Volunteers are needed to shop (sometimes with families) at Meijer, Wal-Mart, Target, etc. (using donated gift cards) for these items. (Completion of Volunteer Orientation/Training, Background Check and Fingerprinting required.)
Organize a drive for school supplies, socks and underwear, toiletries or gift cards at your local religious organization, place of work, neighborhood, schools, etc. Contact us for specific needs.
Join the Extended Family Network The Education Project's Extended Family is a group of volunteers who give the Ozone House permission to contact them approximately 1-2 times per month when families have requests that the Ozone House may not have funding for or for supplies the organization does not have.
Make a donation We are always in need of gift cards (Meijer, Target, Big Lots, etc.), school supplies, toiletries (shampoo, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, lotion, etc.) and cash to be used to fund special needs of students that may arise during the year.