L.A. To Help 101 Homeless Students Living In Van Nuys Motels

VAN NUYS, CA — A coalition of city officials announced the creation of "Kids First," a pilot program to support over 100 students living with their families in three motels in Van Nuys and North Hills. The program will provide educational, life-needs and housing assistance to 51 families affected by homelessness.

Council President Nury Martinez, the Mayor's Office of Economic Opportunity and LAUSD joined forces to make the program a reality. Representatives from LA Family Housing, North Valley Caring Services and New Economics for Women will also support the students and their families throughout the year.

“Homeless children living temporarily in motels have major challenges in all facets of their lives: education, healthcare, housing and food access,” said Council President Nury Martinez. “This program is designed as a safety net to assist them in real time, identify specific areas of need with a focus on education and housing. We want to help these school-aged children succeed in and out of school and end the cycle of intergenerational poverty they and their families so often find themselves in.”

Most of the students in the program currently live at Hyland Motel along the Sepulveda Boulevard corridor. According to LAUSD, a high concentration of homeless students live in the area, and miss school more frequently than those in stable housing. The school district reports that over 18,000 enrolled students are affected by homelessness.

A support group for the 101 students will monitor school participation, provide laptops and conduct routine checkups. School on Wheels will also provide one-on-one tutoring to all students during the coronavirus pandemic.