UMHS supports education of homeless youth in our community

U-M Health System faculty and staff have once again come together to help homeless youth in our community.

Donating more than 100 cases of school supplies and 355 backpacks to the Education Project for Homeless Youth in Washtenaw County, our employees continue to show their commitment to helping others and giving back.

This is the fourth year UMHS has participated in this community service event, and is the largest amount we’ve ever raised. Thanks to the donations, which included everything from crayons and rulers, to notebooks and clothing, more than 1,300 children in our community will have a better opportunity to succeed in the classroom.

“Our team effort across the health system has been a great demonstration of community spirit and generosity toward the homeless youth in our community,” says Tony Denton, acting chief executive officer and COO of UMHHC. “For the third straight year, we have broken the overall record for contributing the most school supplies to the Education Project. I am appreciative and proud that we continue to show the value of community leadership in support of others in great need.”

UMHS donated 100 cases of school supplies and 355 backpacks to the Education Project for Homeless Youth.

The Education Project for Homeless Youth (EPHY) is a grant-funded project of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District that works to ensure students experiencing homelessness or temporary living situations enroll, regularly attend, and succeed in school.  The program works closely with all 10 school districts and the public school academies in the county, serving students including those living in shelters, motels, temporary foster care placements, cars and abandoned houses, as well as those living temporarily with friends and family.

In the 2014-15 school year, The Education Project assisted 1,300 children in Washtenaw County experiencing a homeless or temporary living situation. The Education Project provides:

• Advocacy & enrollment support
• School supplies
• Toiletries
• Food packs
• Socks & Underwear
• Hat & Gloves

For more information or to get involved, click here.