The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is the primary piece of federal legislation dealing with the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. Families in Transition supports students, families, and schools so that we can find success for every GIPS student. 

In the 2021-2022 school year Nebraska districts reported over 4,000 children or youth who were experiencing homelessness. Children and youth were reported from every part of the state with a total of 49 districts reporting anywhere from 1 to over 950 children or youth experiencing homelessness sometime during the year. This includes a count of over 300 unaccompanied homeless children or youth. An unaccompanied homeless youth or child is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. Most homeless children and youth in Nebraska are in “doubled-up” situations. Doubled-up means sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason. 

If you believe your student may qualify based on your current housing, please reach out. Our goal is to support students and their families in all phases of life. 

As a district, we have several programs to assist students, many of these programs do not require you to qualify as FIT. Please reach out to the FIT Coordinator or your school social worker/ counselor for more information. 

Families in Transition (FIT) is a program within the outreach center housed on the first floor of the Kneale Administration Building; 123 S Webb Rd, Grand Island, NE 68803.

SERVICES WE PROVIDE:

• Food for Thought: supplemental weekend food sponsored by Project Hunger
• School Supplies: Title I schools and non-Title I are able to help students with supplies
• School Transportation: this is a limited resource for students qualified as FiT without means to get to school 
• Clothing/shoes, household items: supplies vary, but if we are not able to meet the need referrals will be provided.
• Archipelago at GISH: clothing, shoes, hygiene items, and a pantry located within the school.  It is currently undergoing renovation and has limited capacity for donations.

We welcome household goods and non-perishable food donations!

FREE FOOD RESOURCES

View the list of Food Pantries in Hall County

Community Resources: English | Spanish

CONTACT

For Families in Transition inquiries please contact:

Christine Ostermeyer
Families in Transition Coordinator
123 S Webb Rd, Grand Island, NE 68803
chattermanoster@gips.org
308-385-5900 Ext. 201204

For Archipelago inquiries please contact:

Brian Whitecalf
Community Liaison for Secondary Education
Grand Island Senior High, Room 108
2124 N Lafayette Avenue, Grand Island, NE 68803
bwhitecalf@gips.org
308-390-1505