Kalispell Public Schools has received a $98,000 grant to identify and help homeless students stay on track in their education.

The Office of Public Instruction distributed $424,800 total in reallocated funds from the American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth program through the U.S. Department of Education to 12 Montana school districts. 

School districts may use the funds to support homeless students by providing comprehensive wraparound services due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and assistance to enable homeless youth to attend school activities such as in-person instruction, spring and summer learning programs, and enrichment programs. 

In Kalispell Public Schools, 136 K-8 students were identified as homeless under the federal McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act in 2022-23, according to the latest data collected by the state. Another 125 high school students were identified as homeless. 

The federal McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines homelessness as lacking a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence. 

Youth do not have to sleep outside, in a car, shelter or abandoned building to be considered homeless under this definition. It includes children who live in hotels, motels, trailers and campgrounds, for example, or they could be living with friends or family members who aren’t their legal guardians. 

“These grants are an investment in Montana’s most precious resources, our children,” state Superintendent Elsie Arntzen said in a statement. “My Montana Hope initiative focuses on providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all children. These school districts reflect Montana’s constitutional promise of promoting educational excellence for all our Montana students.” 

Grant funding is still available to schools with homeless student needs. Interested districts should contact state Coordinator of Homeless Education Serena Wright by emailing Serena.Wright@mt.gov or calling 406-410-4098. 

Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.