Prevention program looks to address student, family homelessness in Hillsborough County

ABC Action News | WFTS Tampa Bay

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — It’s an issue that happens more than some may think—students facing homelessness while trying to balance school. However, a new prevention program aims to help be the solution to the problem.

Odalis Castellano has a full house, with three children in Hillsborough County Schools.

But she’ll tell you recently, things got tough.

“I lost my job, and my rent went up, and I was unable to pay for the situation, leaving me in a difficult place,” said Castellano.

That’s when she reached out for help. ABC Action News spoke to Castellano on Friday through a translator.

“I reached out to a special teacher that I communicate with often, and she told me don’t worry, there is a program that is here in Forest Hills Elementary, Pathways to Hope, that can help you,” said Castellano.

Pathways to Hope is funded by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and run by Metropolitan Ministries in partnership with Hillsborough County Schools and the Hispanic Services Council…

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