Support Our Back to School Backpack Drive

In 2024, rates of families with children experiencing homelessness increased by 39% across the United States. Housing Forward is serving more children than ever before and we’re asking for your help to ensure they have what they need as they head back to school this fall.

Students experiencing homelessness face extra barriers to enrollment, school resources, and academic success. Our annual backpack campaign ensures that on that all-important first day of school, these students have a brand-new backpack filled with age-appropriate supplies.

We’re aiming to collect at least 200 backpacks for students of all ages. By providing one or more filled backpacks, you’ll directly support the families we assist throughout the year. To make this as simple as possible, we recommend using the CPS school supply lists, linked below, when shopping. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cherrell Jackson at cjackson@housingforward.org or 708-338-1724 ext. 201

Please drop off filled backpacks no later than Friday, August 8. Donations can be brought to 1845 S. 9th Avenue (the house next to Housing Forward’s main office) Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 3:30pm.

Thank you for helping students start the school year with confidence!

School Supply Lists by Grade