The holiday season is a time for reflection for so many people, not only to realize what all they are thankful for in their lives, but also to look at their community and to help give back to those who are less fortunate or facing difficult times.
One of the ways to give back to the local community this holiday season is to support Mission to End Student Homelessness, which is a nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine.
However, its mission is to serve the entire St. Johns County school system and help prevent students and their families from becoming homeless.
According to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which was passed by the federal government in 1987, it defines a homeless student as one who lacks a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence, which can include living in a hotel, car, a public area not meant for housing.
Although in some cases it also defines it as a student living in a sub-par housing environment, having to double-up with others or being in a homeless shelter.
MESH works closely with the St. Johns County school system continually identify certain students that fit into those situations each school year.
According to the MESH website, since the organization got its start in 2018, about 800 students within the county on average are classified as homeless by the end of a school year.
The nonprofit was created through grassroots means by a group of concerned residents, who developed the initial goal of focusing on helping homeless juniors and seniors in high school.
But it did not take long to realize that the issue was bigger than that and one year later the organization expanded its focus from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.
There are many ways that MESH can help to prevent students from being homeless, including providing financial support to provide academic assistance, involvement in extracurricular activities or summer camps, daily living expenses or by offering short-term and crisis housing options.
They also provide grants to other community organizations that help meet students’ needs.
Donations are accepted by MESH in the forms of both time or monetary, depending on the best option to help that suits the individual interested in getting involved.
Volunteers can become a mentor, which is a valuable and much needed part of the process because so many of the students they are helping do not have a responsible adult in their lives.
Typically, mentors meet with their assigned student at their school during the designated lunch hour.
Any adults who show interest in becoming a mentor are then referred to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of St. Johns County, who will handle performing background checks and conduct the required training needed prior to finding a student match.
Helping MESH accomplish its mission is the support of fellow community organizations, such as the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra, which is in the midst of a fundraising effort that partners with MESH and has a set goal of raising $20,000 through the initiative by March 1, 2024.
The best way to connect with MESH to inquire about volunteer opportunities is by calling 904-330-4650 or by emailing mesh@meshstaugustine.org.
