The Detroit Public Schools Community District said on Feb. 11 that staff have identified 3,182 students as experiencing homelessness and described the services the district offers under the McKinney‑Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Why it matters: Board members and public speakers said the number is large and rising, and several called on the district to move beyond casework to partner with the city and nonprofits on housing solutions for families and students.

District description of services and constraints
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti told the board the district has increased its homeless‑student identification and has staff and liaisons at every school to help families access services. “Today, we've now identified 3182,” he said, citing central‑office increases in outreach and reporting. Vitti described district help that includes transportation, clothing, and short‑term supports such as gift cards and ride services, and said the district uses available philanthropic and at‑risk funding insofar as it is allowable.

Vitti clarified funding limits: while the district operates McKinney‑Vento identification and liaison services, “the federal government has protections, guidelines, requirements for schools and districts to work with homeless, children and families. But... it doesn't come along with funding, directly through the school system.” He said district staff sometimes arrange hotel placements when available through that federal framework, but resources and shelter capacity are limited.

Board and public reaction
Trustees and public speakers urged faster, more visible action. Several board members proposed exploring partnerships with nonprofits, developers and the city to repurpose vacant district properties, lease at nominal rates or otherwise broker housing solutions. One board member noted earlier facility‑master‑plan discussion and philanthropic proposals but said renovation costs for a usable housing site could run into the millions.

Public commenters and trustees raised a recent, acute safety concern: two young children were found deceased in a vehicle, which community members linked to housing insecurity and called a public‑safety emergency for families without stable shelter.

Next steps and questions asked of staff
Board members requested a written list of community and city partner organizations that the district is working with and asked central staff to report back on any formal memoranda of understanding. Trustees also asked for options the district could pursue with nonprofits and philanthropy to convert buildings for housing, and for a clear update on McKinney‑Vento hotel usage and the district’s authority and limits under that statute.

Ending
Superintendent Vitti said the district will provide more data and a list of partner organizations and noted the board and staff would continue exploring options to address family homelessness beyond immediate services.