09/01/2026
Welcome back to school! 📚✏️🚌✂️🎓
Today marks the first day back for many students in Waukesha County. This is a day that is filled with excitement, anticipation, and, for many students and their parents, a few nerves.
For families we serve at Family Promise of Waukesha County those feelings can be compounded by the persistent uncertainty of experiencing homelessness or being at risk of homelessness.
-Will my child have all the supplies they need for class?
-How will they complete homework without reliable internet access?
-Will there be an after-school program available while I am at work?
-What happens if we have to move to another shelter and my child has to change schools?
These are just a few of the very real questions parents may have to navigate while also trying to provide a sense of stability and security for their children. Last year, the School District of Waukesha’s homeless liaison reported screening 262 students for housing instability, with current active identifications fluctuating around 127 students.
Every child deserves an opportunity to start the school year feeling prepared, supported, hopeful, and nervous only about meeting their new teachers and classmates, not about whether someone will discover that they do not have a safe, stable or habitable housing.
What families need are affordable housing units that are suitable for their family size and promotes human dignity. What families need are jobs that pay enough so a single income household can afford to live in the community they work, play and send their kids to school.
This is our mission. To provide the most basic of needs- housing!
If you are looking for a way to help right now we are in desperate need of supplies. Family Promise of Waukesha County is collecting donations of school supplies, personal hygiene items, and household essentials to distribute to the families we serve. For families experiencing housing instability, these everyday items can quickly become difficult to afford. A donated backpack, package of hygiene products, or bottle of laundry detergent may seem like a small contribution, but it can mean one less expense for a family already making difficult choices about how to make ends meet.
Together, we can help make sure our families have the things they need to start the school year feeling prepared, supported, and cared for.
Donations can be dropped off at the Family Promise of Waukesha County Day Center, located at 139 E. North St., Waukesha, WI 53188, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Thank you! Have a great school year!
