APS gains success in Tiger Care Center that has served over 100 homeless kids and counting
The Alamogordo Public School District has only recently opened its new "comprehensive space," the Tiger Care Center in July, a building that houses necessities for students in need, but the center has already helped hundreds of students.
The center has helped 150 of Alamogordo's unhoused students, according to a news release by the district.
The Tiger Care Center is located on 13th Street next to the Stepping Stones Preschool. The Tiger Care Center was established using funds from the McKinney Vento Act, an act geared towards supporting unhoused students.
During the 2022 and 2023 school year, Alamogordo Public School reported 180 students were considered unhoused.
"When we see children in need of basic necessities and are unable to assist, or we are digging in a garbage bag of donated items to see what is there, it can be disheartening for everyone," Executive Director for Alamogordo Public Schools Lisa Patch said in a news release.
Patch said with a clean and respectful place for students to obtain their daily necessities on a school site, teachers and staff can encourage the importance of education.
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Students have access to school supplies, toiletries, clothing, and in emergency situations, a small food pantry is available, according to the release.
School Board President Judy Rabon said students are able to pick up a sweater if the weather is cold and they may be struggling to stay warmly clothed during the season. She said not only does the center provide all these options, but she said it also provide a shower for students who need it.
"There is a shower facility just for them and if they need to talk to a counselor about finding a future home, we have our social worker," Rabon said.
The Tiger Care Center has also donated Halloween costumes and prom dresses for students in poverty that are unable to participate in annual events and holidays.
“The creation of the Tiger Care Center stands as a testament to our dedication to supporting our students andfamilies who may face challenges with basic needs," Pam Renteria, interim superintendent, said.
The social worker can help parents and students apply for Presumptive Eligibility Medicaid, which allows children and pregnant women to receive access to Medicaid while their application is still being processed.
While the care center continues to help students and families in need, Alamogordo Public School asked the community to help when it can, by dropping off gently used or new clothes at The Hub, 805 East 12th Street.
The Alamogordo Public School District would like to remind the community that the Tiger Care Center is by appointment only by calling 575-430-0191.
Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter at @Juan36Corr.
This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: APS, success in it's new Tiger Care Center, helping students in need
