We extend our sincere gratitude to the Clark County REALTORS® Foundation for awarding us a $1,000 grant that will directly support our work in the community. We are honored to receive this grant once again—an ongoing show of generosity that truly strengthens our mission.
This year, the grant will help fuel a new pilot program created to support unhoused and unaccompanied youth within the Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). The program, simply called Bags of Basics, offers exactly what its name suggests: a drawstring backpack filled with essential items that can make a meaningful difference. With guidance from the Family Engagement & Technical Assistance Coordinator at VPS, we assembled bags for both boys and girls, each containing hygiene products, snacks, and other small comforts that bring care, dignity, and a moment of relief during challenging times. Thanks to this grant, we can provide even more of these much-needed bags.
Many of the youth we aim to help are facing difficult circumstances—some travel long distances just to get to school, some are couch surfing without a stable place to call home, some are living in cars, and others are simply doing their best to get by on their own. For them, items as simple as shampoo, a cup of instant ramen noodles, or a bottle of juice can offer a small measure of comfort in an otherwise challenging time.
Because of the Foundation’s generosity, we can reach more students with the basics they deserve. We offer our heartfelt thanks for their continued support, which empowers us to uplift young people who need it most.
To provide some clarification: Unaccompanied minors are those that do not reside with their parents or a legal guardian. Students in this situation may be housed or unhoused. Unhoused youth can also include minors in the custody of a legal guardian but living in an unstable environment such as a friend or relative’s home, a shelter or car, or even camping.