Students experiencing homelessness find support at Moorhead Public Schools

“Our goal is to remove barriers so students can focus on learning and belonging,” Brenda said. “When students feel safe, fed, and connected, their attendance improves, their engagement increases, and they are more likely to stay on track toward graduation.”

Students lining up for lunch! Contributed / Moorhead Public Schools

A community of care wraps around the children who are experiencing homelessness in Moorhead.

Public schools play a vital role in supporting youth, Brenda Richman told Churches United, noting that education is a key tool in the work to end the generational cycle of homelessness in our community.

Brenda is the Executive Director of Community Engagement and Public Relations at Moorhead Public Schools. She works alongside folks like Amy Riccio, the District Homeless Liaison, and a team of social workers who ensure every student has the support they need to succeed: with a focus on learners who are living in shelters or motels, staying in places not meant for human habitation, or navigating life on their own as unaccompanied youth.

“Our work is rooted in the belief that education is the number one predictor for breaking the cycle of homelessness,” Brenda said. “School provides much more than academics; it offers consistency, safety, trusted relationships, and access to basic needs that stabilize students during times of crisis.” 

Students who are experiencing homelessness are impacted in numerous ways, Brenda said. Without consistent housing or reliable meals, youth have a harder time concentrating, finishing homework, building friendships, or fully participating in all that school has to offer.

“Long-term, housing instability can affect attendance, academic achievement, and graduation rates,” Brenda said. “Students experiencing homelessness are at higher risk of falling behind or disengaging from school entirely.”

At one point in February, Churches United sheltered 24 children inside Micah’s Mission — an emergency facility for men, women, and children facing homelessness at 1901 1st Ave N, Moorhead. Of those kids, 12 were school-aged.

Education offers children stability, routine, and a pathway out of homelessness, according to Haylee Kaul, Family Case Manager at Churches United.

“When schools provide consistent support — whether through transportation, meals, or trusted adults — students can focus on learning rather than survival,” Haylee said. “Meeting those basic needs is essential so kids feel safe, connected, heard/understood, and able to thrive academically.”

When a student is in crisis, Brenda said, immediate support is necessary.

Once Moorhead Public Schools identifies a student experiencing homelessness in the district that learner is immediately enrolled in school — regardless of missing records that can be lost when a student is in crisis.

After enrollment, the school district works tirelessly to meet the needs of every one of those students, according to reporting by The FM Extra. That includes access to food, school supplies, a washer and drier, showers, hygiene items, clothing, transportation, mentorship, mental health support, healthcare, and connection to local housing resources. The school even helps coordinate birthday celebrations!

“Our goal is to remove barriers so students can focus on learning and belonging,” Brenda said.

That support pays off.

One unaccompanied Moorhead student — a youth who was living without the physical care of a guardian — had their housing disrupted multiple times throughout high school. With the support of Amy and her team at Moorhead Public Schools, that student was able to remain in school, engage in activities, and graduate with their class.

“Moments like that are powerful because they demonstrate what stability in school can mean during instability at home,” Brenda said. “When we remove barriers and wrap supports around students, they are able to focus on their strengths, talents, and goals, rather than their circumstances. Those graduations, those attendance turnarounds, and those renewed connections are the true measure of this work.”

Roughly 4.3% of students in Moorhead Public Schools are experiencing homelessness, Brenda said. That’s 346 youth, 81 of which are unaccompanied. Those numbers are from the 2024 to 2025 school year.

“While the specific numbers fluctuate year to year, housing instability continues to be a significant and persistent reality for many families in our community,” she said. “As staff become more trained and families better understand their rights, we are identifying students earlier and connecting them to support sooner, which is critical for their academic success and overall well-being.”

Last year, 18 out of the 35 high school seniors identified as experiencing homelessness got their diploma from Moorhead Public Schools.

“Each of those graduates represents not only resilience, but the impact of coordinated support systems working together — schools, families, and community partners — to keep students moving forward,” Brenda said. “When students feel safe, fed, and connected, their attendance improves, their engagement increases, and they are more likely to stay on track toward graduation.”