Although attending school everyday may seem like a chore for most children, for some it is a safe haven because they are without a permanent nighttime residence. In other words, they are homeless.

The Dallas County School System Homeless Program is working to identify these children and make sure they are enrolled in school and have the tools to succeed.

Dallas County received a grant eight years ago through the state department that allowed homeless children to be clearly identified and given the opportunity to successfully enroll in school.

Dorothy Irvin, homeless liaison for the county, said she is trying to get the word out so these children can be identified.

“This grant basically speaks to make sure that the homeless children in Dallas County are enrolled and attend school and succeed in school without any barriers,” Irvin said.

After being identified, children in this program receive school supplies, clothing, and hygiene items like shampoo, towels and a toothbrush, Irvin said.

According to the federal government, the definition of homeless includes those without a fixed nighttime residency. Irvin said this is a broad category which can include children living in motels, shelters, vehicles, on the street or abandoned buildings.

“We have a large number of children that have been identified as being homeless because of the definition that the federal government has of homelessness,” Irvin said. “They’re in Dallas County and the surrounding counties, really all over the state.”

Irvin said sometimes the definition can also include children living with friends or distant relatives because their parents don’t have the means to support them.

“We’re looking for those children and we have them in our school system,” Irvin said. “We want to try and get them enrolled in school.”

Although the grant covers a lot of basic needs, there’s still a lot that is left out.

“We would just love for the community to really get involved and help cover things that the grant can’t,” Irvin said. “There’s limited funds for this, and if there’s different agencies that can maybe help us, that would be great.”

For more information on how to get involved and give donations, contact Dorothy Irvin at 872-6251.