In 2025, Assistance League of Southwest Washington (ALSW) launched two new initiatives to support teens in Vancouver who are unhoused or unaccompanied. Public schools in Clark County estimate nearly 3,000 students are experiencing homelessness—living in shelters, cars, motels, outdoors, or temporarily staying with other families after losing housing. After hearing firsthand accounts from Family Resource Coordinators at Vancouver Public Schools (VPS), ALSW knew it needed to act—starting small, with a vision to grow.
The first initiative, Bags of Basics, provides drawstring backpacks filled with hygiene items and snacks—simple essentials that offer comfort, dignity, and care during difficult times. With guidance from Carla Feltz, VPS Family Engagement and Technical Assistance Coordinator, ALSW initially assembled 13 bags each for boys and girls within VPS. Since then, an additional 26 bags have been distributed, with more supplies secured for future distribution.
The second initiative, Youth Essentials & Support (YES), addresses the urgent needs of unaccompanied students—youth living without a parent or guardian due to homelessness, family conflict, abandonment, or other crises. Although enrolled in school, many lack the basic necessities required for daily life and consistent attendance. Without stable adult support, they face significant barriers to academic success and overall well-being. YES provides timely, individualized assistance so students can remain focused on learning rather than survival.
Unaccompanied youth are widely recognized as a high-need population and are often undercounted, as many avoid shelters and formal support systems. To better reach these students, ALSW partners with Nathan Schubert, Unaccompanied Youth Coordinator for Evergreen Public Schools. He responds directly to urgent needs—providing clothing, hygiene supplies, bedding, food, and household items—and personally delivers them to students across five middle schools and two high schools.
We are proud to announce that both initiatives will continue as ongoing programs under its long-standing Operation School Bell® program, expanding its commitment to supporting students in need throughout the community.
