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Flagler Schools reports 394 students identified as experiencing homelessness; FIT liaison outlines services and partnerships
Summary
Families in Transition liaison Rishanda Lloyd Miller told the school board that the district identified 394 students experiencing homelessness this school year, 330 of whom remain enrolled, and highlighted transportation, food, housing and partner referrals the program provides.
The Flagler County School Board heard an update May 27 on the Families in Transition (FIT) program, which serves students experiencing homelessness and unstable housing. Rishanda Lloyd Miller, the district’s homeless education liaison, told the board the program identified 394 students this school year; 330 remain enrolled and 34 are unaccompanied youth without a parent or legal guardian.
Miller described FIT’s eligibility screening (based on whether nighttime residence is fixed, regular and adequate) and said about 90% of FIT families are “doubling up” — staying temporarily with other families because of housing loss or economic hardship. “Affordable housing, to me, I feel like is an oxymoron because it’s very scarce,” she said, describing motel, trailer‑park and car living situations and noting some families lack electricity or running water.
Miller outlined services that support school access and stability: transportation to a student’s school of origin if the family moves, help obtaining documents needed for enrollment, academic supports such as tutoring, school‑based food and toiletries pantries, referrals to community agencies, and assistance securing housing deposits when families demonstrate ability to pay. She highlighted community partners that provide resources, including the Flagler County Education Foundation; Faith for Flagler (14 churches); Samaritan Ministries; the Family Life Center; Grace Community Food Pantry; Saint Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church; Chimento Cares; Hammock Dunes Cares Foundation; the Zukowski Family Foundation; and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Miller said partner groups provide items ranging from weekly snack bags for students to furniture and funds to help families secure permanent housing. She described efforts to support unaccompanied youth — some of whom work but still cannot afford housing — including job‑placement help and connections to shelters and community programs. Miller told the board 17 FIT students are graduating this year, with destinations including Florida A&M, Flagler College, Daytona State College and Flagler Technical College; she added that many graduates received scholarships and are eligible under state law for tuition and fee waivers.
Board members thanked Miller and asked staff to continue coordinating with community partners. Miller closed by giving her contact information and saying she regularly visits students’ schools and jobs to support their enrollment and safety.
