Johnson City names homeless education coordinator, highlights transportation and family resource needs

Lauren McGrew, introduced Dec. 1 as Johnson City Schools’ new homeless education program coordinator and Family Resource Center manager, outlined outreach and support services the district provides to students experiencing homelessness.

"As of today, I have 122 homeless students that I know of," McGrew said. She told the board the Johnson City point-in-time count for Northeast Tennessee showed more than 900 unhoused people and emphasized that many families are doubled up, living in motels, or moving frequently. The Family Resource Center, housed in Central Office, has helped 181 students with food, clothing, school supplies and other necessities, McGrew said.

McGrew described the program’s operations: same-day contact when a referral arrives; home visits or meetings at locations where families are staying (including hotels and cars); and transportation via two district vans that can bring students to and from school when needed. She said federal funding helps cover transportation and some school-supplies needs, while donations cover items federal funds typically cannot (for example, rent or utilities). McGrew asked the community for help finding Christmas sponsors and noted she is working to make an online donation link available on the district website. She provided contact information: mcgrewl@jcschools.org and (423) 434-5226.

Board members asked how federal funds and donations are tracked; staff explained finance monitors federal dollars and donations are logged through the finance department and a shared budget sheet, with restrictions on how federal dollars may be used. Drivers providing transportation must show insurance and licenses, the board was told, to address liability concerns.

McGrew also shared a success story of a family who fled domestic violence and, with district and community assistance, has remained housed and their children enrolled in school.