Early learning, child development are part of the planning for Fresno Housing projects | Opinion
Data have clearly indicated that many long-term societal challenges that plague individuals and families can be traced back to a history of unstable, unaffordable and poor-quality housing.
Research shows that housing is the first step towards economic opportunity for individuals, and that a person’s access to opportunity is intrinsically linked with that of their neighborhood at large. As the gap between rents and incomes widens across Fresno, it is important that all members of our community understand the central importance of housing.
Having a safe, stable place to live is crucial for child development and educational success. According to the California Budget and Policy Center, more than 220,000 of Californian’s public K-12 students experienced homelessness in 2020-21. This includes children temporarily staying with friends or family members due to economic hardship and children living in motels, shelters, vehicles, public spaces or substandard housing. Latinx, Black, American Indian, Alaska Native and Pacific Islander students are disproportionately likely to experience homelessness. These students also experience high rates of chronic absenteeism, causing them to lose critical access to curriculum and social structures that schools, educators and peers offer.
Outside of the obvious challenges of homelessness for children, the positive location and condition of a child’s home play a significant role in the physical, cognitive and emotional development and general well-being of a child. A safe home in a good neighborhood impacts a child’s education through improved attendance, better cognitive and behavioral health and improved academic achievement.
Fresno Housing has long believed that a student’s housing situation should not be a barrier to learning. To support that end, the agency has developed 41 new, healthy, vibrant, affordable housing communities in 15 years. Included in many new developments are playgrounds, community spaces, computer labs, and in some cases, on-site libraries. Attention to important community-building details like these contribute to the quality of life and are pivotal in improving the lives of children.
In addition to creating beautiful housing communities, Fresno Housing has a longstanding practice of partnering with other organizations to support children, including local school districts to help extend learning beyond the classroom. Where possible, services such as early learning play groups, after-school enrichment and tutoring and summer technology camps for children are integrated into the planning of new developments.
One example of this includes partnering with schools to properly prepare for an influx of children when a new development opens. Another example includes partnering with the Fresno Unified School District on community town halls located at Fresno Housing properties. Fresno Housing is also proud to partner with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools to improve educational outcomes for students through a variety of programs.
To support post-secondary goals for residents, Fresno Housing has offered scholarships each year since 1991. Individual awards have ranged from $200 to $2,500 and have totaled over $1.6 million over the course of 30 years. Last year, 58 scholarships were awarded totaling $52,150. In addition, Fresno State has partnered with Fresno Housing to match scholarship awards to the university.
In all we do, the needs of children are fundamental to agency culture, policies and practices. We look forward to continuing the legacy of seeking ways of enhancing the lives of children across Fresno County.
