District social services and student spotlights highlighted; ARC reports YEHA-funded services
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Summary
Melinda Torres reported on ARC drop-in center activity (495 backpacks distributed, ~365 contacts since July, ~210 Title I students), explained YEHA grant uses (staffing, transportation, rental assistance) and described partnerships to help unaccompanied youth and families.
At the January board meeting, Melinda Torres, supervisor of student support services, gave a detailed report on the ARC drop-in center and related supports funded in part by a city YEHA (Youth Emergency Housing Assistance) grant.
Torres said the ARC gave out 495 backpacks countywide and coordinated holiday supports that led to roughly 1,000 gifts wrapped and 215 students on a holiday wish list this season. She reported about 365 total contacts to the ARC since July and said approximately 210 students in the current school year qualify as Title I.
On housing and emergency supports, Torres said the YEHA grant helps pay for staff time and transportation (including taxi costs) and that the ARC partners with AYA and other local agencies to identify emergency housing and host-home placements for unaccompanied students (students with no guardian or whose home is unsafe). She described wraparound supports such as deposits, short-term rental assistance and navigation of mental-health appointments.
The board praised the staff involved and asked about materials and ongoing needs; Torres and trustees also discussed how community groups can help with food and supply drives and how the district can coordinate donations for items that are useful to people without cooking facilities.