On October 8, 2020, Homeless Free America, a faith based organization and Parents of Watts formally announced a joint effort with LAPD and the LA County Sheriff’s Department to assist LAUSD in their struggle to locate and connect homeless students with the numerous resources they need to successfully engage in the districts virtual education platforms.
Across the county, there is in excess of 65,000 homeless students living under bridges, in homeless encampments and vehicles that are not participating in virtual classrooms because they either lack devices or internet access. LAUSD and other school districts are striving in earnest to provide itinerant students with the tools and services they need, however, locating and identifying these students is proving to be nigh to impossible. “Homelessness in our community is one of the great challenges we face in Los Angeles, LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner said “we need help to track down the location of these invisible pupils.”
A press conference on Thursday, October 8th 2020, 12 noon at Parents of Watts 10828 Lou Dillon Ave., LA, CA. 90059 formally announced that LAPD and the LA County Sheriff’s Department has joined forces with Homeless Free America, a faith-based organization and Parents of Watts to assist LAUSD in their struggle to locate and connect homeless students with the numerous resources they need to successfully engage in the district’s virtual education platforms.
“This snapshot of local law enforcement and community stakeholders working side by side in harmony to help homeless students is a breath of fresh air and powerful proof that these officers truly care about the communities they serve” says Ron Hudson, Resource Manager for Homeless Free America, and owner of Superior Wall Systems whose police officer son was tragically killed in the line of duty. “It’s time that we come together and join hands to help these homeless children get back on track with their education” says “Sweet Alice” founder and director of Parents of Watts.