United Way Steps Up to Fund Critical Homelessness Program at Fort Wayne Schools

The United Way of Allen County is stepping in to keep a lifeline alive for students facing homelessness in Fort Wayne Community Schools. They’re fully funding a case manager for the Families in Transition program through the 2025-26 school year — a move that ensures crucial support continues for vulnerable students.

Since 2019, the number of kids experiencing homelessness in FWCS has nearly doubled, making this funding more important than ever.

Filling a Crucial Gap for Homeless Students

The Families in Transition program began during the pandemic, initially backed by American Rescue Plan funds. Once that money ran out, the program faced a serious threat of shutdown. Luckily, the United Way stepped in, filling the funding gap and guaranteeing the program’s survival next year.

The program serves students across all grades — from pre-K all the way to 12th grade — who are either homeless or struggling with unstable housing. The case manager plays a vital role, acting as a bridge between educators, families, administrators, and community partners.

It’s not just about connecting families to school resources, either. The case manager helps secure access to therapy, food pantries, medical care, and other community services that make a real difference. These supports tackle the everyday barriers that can keep kids from thriving in school.

Ruthie Hall, Director of Community Impact at United Way of Allen County, emphasizes just how important this role is: “The critical impact of providing case management services to these students cannot be overstated. It offers a structured, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach to care — equipping students with the tools and support they need to overcome challenges, build resilience, and succeed in school and life.”

Demand Outpaces Funding Amid Rising Homelessness

FWCS gets some funding through the McKinney-Vento Act, a federal program aimed at helping homeless students. But with the rising number of kids in need, those dollars aren’t enough. Since 2019, the count of homeless students has nearly doubled in the district, which serves as the largest in the area.

For the upcoming 2025-26 school year, the district anticipates directly helping at least 150 students through this program. Meanwhile, over 1,400 students qualify for McKinney-Vento support — a telling sign of the scale of the issue.

It’s clear the need is growing fast. The financial help from United Way isn’t just a stopgap. It’s a lifeline for students who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

How the Program Works in Practice

Families in Transition doesn’t just throw resources at families and hope for the best. It’s a hands-on approach that focuses on removing barriers to stability and success. The case manager takes time to understand each family’s unique situation and connects them to what they truly need.

Here’s a snapshot of some key supports the program facilitates:

• Therapy and counseling: Helping students process trauma and build emotional resilience.

• Food assistance: Providing access to food pantries and nutrition programs.

• Medical care: Ensuring families get healthcare support when necessary.

• Educational resources: Making sure students can attend school regularly and have school supplies.

• Housing support: Linking families to programs that assist with housing stability.

This holistic model recognizes that school success is tied closely to home life and wellbeing.

Even one family stabilized can ripple out positive effects across a child’s academic and personal life.

United Way’s Commitment to Vulnerable Youth

Ruthie Hall sums it up plainly: “Through our partnership with the Families in Transition program, United Way of Allen County is reaffirming our commitment to supporting those most vulnerable in our community—especially children and youth experiencing homelessness.”

This funding shows a deep recognition that kids facing homelessness aren’t just statistics. They are young lives in desperate need of consistent support. Without this help, their chances of falling behind or dropping out rise sharply.

Programs like Families in Transition offer more than services; they offer hope and a real shot at success.