Homeless Children's Education Fund

Sending a huge congratulations to our very own, Terrel Williams! We recognize Terrel for his hard work and commitment within our organization, and we so thrilled that the city is uplifting him as one of this year’s New Pittsburgh Courier’s Men of Excellence Awardees. Terrel works closely with our young people. Helping them navigate through school, life, jobs, and more. A true advocate for change and champion for our youth. Congratulations Terrel! The entire organization is behind you. 💙

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. 💙

Homelessness causes countless disruptions to a child’s education. The impact of housing instability is the greatest barrier to a student's success in school. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2021 "Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs, Homeless Populations, and Subpopulations" report for Pennsylvania, from the Point-in-Time Survey, there were 2,441 children under the age of 18 identified as residing in emergency shelter or transitional housing, or living in unsheltered conditions. However, the Point-in-Time Survey is but only a glimpse at the landscape and magnitude of housing instability, and its negative effects on our students. Help HCEF build a brighter, safer, more equitable future for our students. Only together can we succeed!💙

We're a teensy bit late but we wanted to announce and celebrate our newest team member, Cherrelle Hogan, Teen Outreach Coordinator. Cherelle joined us in April with more than a decade of experience supporting youth who have faced adversity. She helps HCEF forge a pathway for these young adults and creates opportunities for meaningful mentorship, workforce development, and upward mobility as they transition to adulthood. Welcome to the team Cherelle and thank you for bringing light and love to our students! 💙

This Wednesday, our entire team celebrated resilience, determination, and the power of education with 24 inspiring young adults. Twenty-four Hope Through Learning Award (HTLA) and Perseverance Awardees accepted their scholarships and other educational gifts at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center at the 2024 HTLA Celebration Luncheon. Joined by some very cherished community partners, HTLA donors, and the Awardees’ friends and families, HCEF was able to distribute $58,000 in award funds. A new record for the organization and a 50% growth from the year before! We are so lucky to be embraced and cared for by such incredible supporters of the Allegheny County community. Thank you to HTLA Donors: * Abeles Family Charitable Fund * Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation * Dollar Bank * Margaret Ritchie R. Battle Family Charitable Fund * Philip and Patricia Muck Charitable Foundation * Pittsburgh Indian Community and Friends * PPG * Robert and Mary Weisbrod Foundation * Elizabeth Soose and the Members of the Apartment Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh See you next year!💙

Allegheny County Medical Society we are so honored you attended and so honored to have your support. THANK YOU ACMS for everything you do to heal our community 💙💙

The Hope Through Learning Award is a $2,500 award available to youth aged 24 and under residing in Allegheny County who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness during their school attendance years, and who are going on to a higher education or career training program for the first time. Homelessness is defined as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence, and includes students living in a shelter, car, motel, doubled-up situation, or places not meant for human habitation. Today, at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, we will be celebrating 23 Hope Through Learning Awardees and one Perseverance Awardee. We can't wait to honor these hardworking and brilliant students!! 💙 #HCEF #AugustWilsonAfricanAmericanCulturalCente #HopeThroughLearningAwards

Zyasia is a shining star within our Teen CEO Program. She continues to soar through her career-learning experience at the Industrial Arts Workshop (IAW). IAW, a unique opportunity for school-aged youth, teaches them the art of welding through community-focused projects. This youth empowerment opportunity is expanding the minds of our young people. We at #HCEF are so proud of all of our students! 💙 #IndustrialWorksWorkshop #TeenCEO

How can you get involved to give our students a fighting chance? 💙

We always enjoy community connections! We want to take a moment to thank the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) for their consistent outpouring of support for our young people and #HCEF. The Eastern MSDC stimulates and supports economic development with minority-owned businesses. They foster the development of minority enterprises to better align them with corporations to initiate growth and opportunity through Supplier Diversity channels. Our very own LaMeka-LeShe Dolby, Individual & Corporate Giving Specialist, attended their Annual Youth & Entrepreneur Scholarship Golf ⛳️Invitational & Clinic and had a fantastic time. Thank you again, Brian K. Oglesby, Tricina Cash, and all EMSDC members! Click to learn more - https://emsdc.org/ 💻💙