AISD Homeless Student Program prepares for first day of school

Abilene, TX — Today may have been the last day of school for the Abilene Independent School District, but the AISD Homeless Student Program is preparing for the first.

According to Darrien Cox the purpose of the program is to remove barriers that are keeping student from going to school.

“I’ve been preparing for the first day of school for probably 3 months,” Cox said. “We will be back in full force about the 25th of July and it will be like a doctor’s office around here. Every 15 to 30 minutes we will have another family come in. We try to meet every need they have to get them going to school the first day of school and every day after that.”

Some of the supplies needed are school supplies, backpacks and clothing.

“With the decision of getting rid of uniforms the kids love it,” Cox explained. “One issue that we will have is now we’re going to need more regular pants, regular jeans, and regular shirts.”

Cox says shoes are also in high demand.

“What bothers me the most is when a young boy or girl comes in and you’re telling them they’re going to get shoes, and they don’t’ have that shoe in their size, Cox said. “I want to be able to have all of the pairs and sizes we need and give them options. So, it’s just well I’m sorry this is the only one we have in your size you’ll have to take these.”