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When School Starts, the Need Doesn’t Stop.
When School Starts, the Need Doesn’t Stop: How Back-to-School Season Impacts Families in Shelter
The start of a new school year is often filled with excitement—new teachers, new classrooms, new backpacks and the promise of a fresh beginning. But for families staying at Hopeful Horizons, back-to-school season can bring an entirely different set of challenges.
As school gets back in session, we often see an increase in families seeking safety and support through our emergency domestic violence shelter. Families who have spent the summer navigating an unsafe home environment may reach a point where they can no longer wait for things to change. For parents and children entering shelter, the transition into a new school year can add another layer of uncertainty to an already overwhelming experience.
For a child, something as simple as having the right school uniform, a backpack, school supplies or a pair of shoes can make a tremendous difference. When a family leaves an unsafe situation, they may have very little with them—and school supplies are rarely the priority when a parent is focused on getting their children somewhere safe.
For parents, having these basic necessities provided can also relieve some of the financial pressure that comes with starting over. When a family is rebuilding after abuse or violence, every dollar matters. The cost of uniforms, school fees, supplies, clothing and transportation can quickly add up.
How Our Community Can Help
This time of year, we are reminded that supporting survivors goes far beyond providing emergency shelter. It means helping families meet the everyday needs that allow them to move forward.
Community members can make an immediate difference by donating new school supplies, backpacks, uniforms, shoes and age-appropriate clothing. Financial donations also allow Hopeful Horizons to respond to individual family needs as they arise.
Most importantly, your support sends a message to children and families in shelter: You are not alone. Your community sees you. Your children matter. And you deserve the opportunity to begin again.
As children across the Lowcountry head back to school, we hope you’ll remember the children who may be starting the school year from a shelter. With the support of our community, we can help make sure that safety is only the beginning—and that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and look toward a brighter future.