Second Story in the Community offers after-school support to children and teens like “Marc,” as well as drop-in services, food, and other resources for the community. Marc began coming to one of Second Story’s Safe Youth Projects because he liked the field trips and receiving help with his schoolwork. Marc’s school had gone virtual due to the pandemic, and the program coordinator often noticed that Marc wasn’t doing assignments. As Marc got to know the program coordinator better, he confided to her that his family was experiencing homelessness, so he couldn’t do his schoolwork on his own because he didn’t have access to WiFi. The program coordinator reached out to other staff so they could come together and help Marc’s family find an affordable place to live as well as coordinate weekly grocery delivery. Before long, Marc’s family had found an apartment with Second Story’s help. Marc continues to come to the Second Story in the Community for help with homework and to spend time with his friends after school. Now Marc has both a safe haven after school and a safe place to return home.
