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Urbana SD 116 reports rise in students experiencing homelessness, outlines supports
Summary
District staff reported an increase in students identified as homeless and detailed McKinney‑Vento services: referral procedures, partnerships with Cunningham Township, Aerocab transportation, Missus Mitchell’s Closet locations, Tiger Market and other local supports, while noting persistent transportation and emergency‑housing funding gaps.
Dr. Mitchell and Dion Webster told the Urbana School District 116 Board that the district has seen a rise in students identified under the McKinney‑Vento definition of homelessness and laid out the district’s support systems and referral procedures.
Dr. Mitchell said the district counted 174 students reported as homeless in 2022–23, 222 in 2023–24, and 97 so far in the July–October 2024 window. The presenters described supports available to families: Missus Mitchell’s Closet (clothing and supplies) located at six Urbana sites, the Tiger Market food resource at Urbana High School, bus tokens, a contract with Aerocab taxi service for transports, and referrals to Cunningham Township, the Regional Planning Commission, the Housing Authority of Champaign County and the Salvation Army of Champaign County.
The presenters explained the referral workflow: school social workers complete the McKinney‑Vento form, attach supporting information, and submit a Google referral to Cunningham Township; a caseworker is then assigned and qualifying families are referred to emergency shelter or rental assistance programs. Presenters named Britney Tooten as the Cunningham Township homeless liaison and said caseworkers often respond within about 48 hours, although demand can create delays.
Board members and community members pressed on practical issues: how families learn about services (teacher referrals, family engagement events, flyers and emails), eligibility criteria for Cunningham (income and household size prioritization and “true homelessness” status), language supports for new arrivals (staff identified who work with various language groups), and interim supports while families wait for a caseworker. Presenters said the district is collaborating with local partners and foundations to secure emergency hotel funding during frigid weather, but current funding is limited and Title I set‑aside funds cannot be used for hotel stays.
Transportation to shelters outside the district (Peoria, Rantoul, Mattoon, Danville were named as possibilities) was discussed as a worst‑case contingency; presenters said they are still planning logistics and funding for those scenarios and prefer to keep students in district schools when possible.
Board members asked for details on how to volunteer, donation needs (small clothing sizes and hygiene items were highlighted), and how to publicize the district’s Amazon wish list and collection/dropoff logistics. Staff said donations can be dropped at Urbana Middle School during business hours and at the Urbana Neighborhood Connection Center after 3:30 p.m., and that they will share wishlist links and supply lists with the board.
The presentation closed with an emphasis on the continuing need for affordable housing, eviction prevention and community partnerships to stabilize families so children can remain in their school of origin.
Next steps: district staff will continue coordination with Cunningham Township and community partners to identify emergency funding and transportation solutions and will follow up with the board on progress.
