Supporting the vital needs of local
high school students who
are experiencing homelessness.
ABOUT US
Matthew's Voice Project (MVP) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on assisting area high school students who are experiencing homelessness. Our focus is on the unaccompanied, homeless and at-risk youth, identified by the school system as either living on their own or living with very little to no support. MVP supports them by proving encouragement and basic needs they need to stay in school, complete high school and graduate.
MVP has served countless students throughout the Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo Public Schools who are experiencing homelessness. We work directly with each school district's Homeless Liaison to help meet the most critical and personalized needs . Many students are living in cars, shelters, couch-surfing, or sharing space with multiple families. MVP removes the barriers between students and their needs. There is a gap in services, many which are at capacity or involve too much red tape. When a student needs a blanket, toilet paper, or a winter coat, we can fill those needs immediately.
While our public school systems receive federal grants to administer to the needs of homeless students, many of their day-to-day needs are not met through this program. The federal program is designed to take care of the basic school needs for the students (supplies, clothing, and meals while at school). This is where MVP steps in. We supply the students with essential, critical items to support their day-to-day needs like gas cards, hygiene products, and blankets.
These seemingly simple things are part of a normal experience for a student who is not homeless, but for our students experiencing homelessness, these would be impossible without the help of the community.
We can’t do this without you and your partnership! Together we can lift these students up and give them a boost. To build a stronger future for these students and a stronger community.
We are in this together. Thank you for being willing to help MVP students!
VIsion
elevating youth out of poverty by providing the resources needed to reach graduation and beyond.
MISSION
Support • strengthen • soar
WAYS TO GIVE
Can accept cash or check too
Donations
Donations can be dropped off by appointment.
Reach out to coordinate drop off
Donate items from our
Top Needed Items
MOST URGENT
- Sweatpants - all sizes
- Hoodies – all sizes
Household Goods
- Toothbrushes
- Small toothpaste tubes
- Roll-on deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Perfume/aftershave
- Alarm clocks with radios
- Ear buds
- Electric shavers
- Insulated water tumblers
- Bath towels
- Pillows/pillow cases
Clothes
- Sweatpants - all sizes
- Hoodies – all sizes
- School sweatshirts
- New socks – all kinds
- New underwear – all sizes
- Leggings
- Winter gloves
Gift Cards
- Gas
- Target
- Walmart
- Restaurants
- Grocery Stores
- Mall
- Movie Theater
Homelessness in our Schools
950
Students
Identified
From 2009 to 2019, the United States saw a 70% increase in identified students experiencing homelessness.
Unfortunately, Covid-19 has caused significant setbacks in the identification and support of impacted students.
1
2
Students experiencing homelessness in North Dakota are 31% less likely to graduate high school than their peers.
2
Nationally, it's projected that as many as 50% of students experiencing homelessness have not been identified.
3
MY VOICE
"
I want to finish college and work somewhere in the medical field. Someday, I'll get married and have a family.
"
I want to teach special education, to get
my health in order, and to never be
homeless again.
"
I want to graduate from high school and get trained as a welder. I want to be able to support myself and my mom.
My Story
3 students share their journey.
AWARDS
CONTACT US
STAY UP TO DATE
Send us an email with subject line “Please add me to your mailing list!”
info@matthewsvoiceproject.com
PROUD PARTNERS
WANT TO BE PART OF OUR PHOTO TEAM?
Due to the nature of the situation these students are in, this may not be a session that is like others you do:
- Students privacy is of the utmost importance. You will not be able to share images from these sessions, however you can indicate as often as you want that your business supports Matthews Voice Project.
- The timeline for these photos should occur mostly in the late Winter/Early Spring. Occasionally we may have a Fall request that we may reach out with, but participation is based on your schedule availability.
- Students may need to cancel at the last minute, they often do not have access to a vehicle and may be arriving by cab. We will work through the school liaison to coordinate scheduling.
Printed Photos of the sessions are not needed. A digital release provided for them, should they chose in the future to want printed images, is enough. Having access electronically will allow them to share how they would like to with family members and on all the social media platforms they use.
Your time to use your talents toward your business are important. We would like to have a photographer pool large enough where you can commit to 1 to 3 session, and have that number be driven by you.
A session should result in 8-10 edited digital images.
In return for helping make dreams come true you'll receive a 501(c)3 tax deduction and yearlong website recognition for your donation.
