CCIU staff distribute shoes to benefit students experiencing homelessness.
The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) successfully concluded its Shoe Drive Event on November 20 and 21, providing support in the form of critically needed footwear for unhoused students and raising awareness about the challenges faced by this population.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law designed to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to education. Under McKinney-Vento, displaced students are defined as those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This legislation recognizes that students without stable housing often face significant barriers to academic success, including transportation challenges, lack of consistent access to school supplies, and emotional stress.
The recent shoe distribution event, held at Gordon Early Literacy Center, allowed school staff to collect shoes donated by Soles 4 Souls for McKinney-Vento students across the county. Through this initiative, CCIU aims to remove critical barriers to education and provide tangible support for students in challenging living circumstances.
“Access to proper footwear is more than just a comfort—it’s a fundamental need that helps students attend school consistently,” said Afnan Lieb, CCIU Special Projects Coordinator. These shoes represent more than just a piece of clothing; they’re a symbol of our community’s commitment to supporting every child’s right to education.”
The shoe distribution event took place during Homelessness Awareness Week, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by students without stable housing and demonstrating CCIU’s proactive approach to supporting vulnerable student populations.
By providing these essential resources, CCIU continues to demonstrate its dedication to ensuring that every learner, regardless of their housing situation, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
