COATESVILLE, PA — The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) has successfully completed its Shoe Drive Event, highlighting its effort to support unhoused students and bring attention to the barriers they face in achieving educational success. Held on November 20 and 21 at the Gordon Early Literacy Center, the event distributed donations from Soles 4 Souls to students identified as experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
The McKinney-Vento Act, a federal law, ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have the same access to education as their peers. Under this legislation, students are classified as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes those living in shelters, motels, cars, or doubling up with others due to financial hardship. The law addresses the numerous hurdles these students face, such as frequent school changes, transportation issues, and the emotional toll of instability, while mandating actionable measures to support their educational needs.
During the Shoe Drive Event, school staff from across Chester County came together to collect and distribute donated shoes to McKinney-Vento students. Providing footwear to these students underscores a larger effort to reduce obstacles to their regular school attendance and overall well-being.
“Access to proper footwear is more than just a comfort—it’s a fundamental need that helps students attend school consistently,” said Afnan Lieb, Special Projects Coordinator for CCIU. “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 timing of the event was significant as it coincided with Homelessness Awareness Week, an annual observance aimed at shedding light on the realities faced by individuals and families without stable housing. By addressing a basic necessity such as footwear, the event not only provided critical resources but also emphasized the CCIU’s broader dedication to advocating for vulnerable students.
Homelessness among students is a growing concern, with its impact reaching beyond the classroom. Students without stable housing often experience higher dropout rates, lower academic performance, and limited access to extracurricular activities. By focusing on tangible support solutions like the Shoe Drive Event, CCIU is working to close these gaps and create a more inclusive educational environment.
The Shoe Drive is part of the CCIU’s ongoing commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their housing circumstances. By tackling these challenges with initiatives like this one, CCIU continues to stand as a model for how communities can rally behind those in need during times of vulnerability.
Through its efforts, the CCIU has once again demonstrated that educational success begins with addressing basic needs, removing barriers, and fostering an environment where all students can learn and thrive. Such targeted interventions during awareness campaigns reinforce the message that every child deserves stability, support, and a fair chance at success.
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