SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Basic needs can be challenging to meet for homeless families or those living in shelters. As schools resume for students, distance learning can be even harder. Father Joes Villages is helping homeless students thrive this school year.
"We work with a population that is customarily at a disadvantage and has greater challenges, especially during these times of the pandemic," says Deacon Jim Vargas.
It's been a challenge for the kids who aren't able to go to school. "In a sense, distance learning has isolated them even more," says Jennifer Ryan with the Therapeutic Children's Center at Father Joe's Villages.
"They don't have the financial resources, technological resources, other resources like those families that have homes," adds Vargas.
The Therapeutic Children's Center provides a space for students to do their work.
"We have about 100 children that are in school. That's kindergarten all the way to 17-year-olds," says Ryan.
Laptops and tablets are usually given to students by their schools. Father Joe's Villages makes sure they have access to the internet, school supplies, and more.
Deacon Vargas says without the right intervention, these students are likely to repeat a grade or worse. "We know statistically that they are four times more likely to be homeless in adulthood."
Father Joe's Villages has launched a new distance learning initiative to continue to provide resources to students.
