Remember your childhood days and the important role school played? Remember the friendships you forged and teachers who shaped you? Now imagine yourself as a child today. This time homeless. And hit by the paralyzing isolation of a world-wide pandemic.

Massachusetts children and youth impacted by homelessness during COVID-19 are in urgent need of your caring and support.

This is an unprecedented year for schools. Remote and hybrid learning is challenging for everyone. For students and families facing homelessness, the obstacles are staggering.

This pandemic has further compromised a critical need for the social connections and support networks schools provide. Technical difficulties and the lack of quietude and focus needed for online learning can lead to overwhelm and further alienate these students from school, peers and hope.

At School on Wheels, our programs are designed to address these challenges:

Tutoring: We pair children and youth - from pre-K through college - with a personal tutor who helps with homework, school projects and fosters social and emotional well-being.

Mentoring: Our Bridge Mentoring program matches teens and unaccompanied minors with a qualified, reliable adult to help navigate high school, application processes, college and technical careers.

Backpacks: Tools for School delivers customized, grade-level academic materials and books in a backpack students use as a personal, organized locker.

The number of families and students needing educational support has escalated exponentially since the pandemic hit in March. Currently there are more than 24,000 students enrolled in Massachusetts public schools identified as homeless. You can help further our mission to stand beside students and assure them access to the academic, social and emotional support they need during these unsettled times.

What will these children be saying about their childhood experiences? You can make a difference. Your donation, large or small, will fuel our programs so we can continue to supply students with the critical materials needed and allow them to focus on what is most important: their education and a successful future.

Thank you for your kindness.