Educational Justice

The Boston Public School system reports that 70% of its students are "economically disadvantaged," i.e., participating in one or more of these state-administered programs: SNAP, TAFDC, DCF foster care, and MassHealth. 2016-2017 Boston Public Schools at a Glance More than 4,000 BPS students are homeless. Homeless Education Resource Network. It will come as no surprise that poor or near-poor children have higher instances of absenteeism, lower academic performance, and higher drop-out rates. Student Absenteeism: Who Misses School and How Missing School Matters for Performance

To right: Testimony video of BPS teachers at Citylife

BPS Testimony ONLY

The lack of basic necessities is one of the top reasons for school absenteeism. Schools equipped with a Catie's Closet allow children living in poverty to discreetly choose trendy, new or like-new clothing (and other basic necessities) that they need and can be proud of wearing, boosting self-confidence.

Hours for volunteer work are flexible, between Monday through Friday during the school day, and require a once-per-week commitment. Other ways to serve include donating and processing items, and sorting donations at their processing center.

Contact Nam Hee Kim (namhee@citylifeboston.org) for more info.

From teachers:

“Some students arrive in our halls and classrooms solely because of Catie’s Closet. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Students have come to me first thing in the morning (long before classes begin) asking to visit Catie’s Closet (smelling of the street) and return looking fresh, and visibly changed in their posture. I am certain that they may not have arrived if Catie’s Closet was not available to them.”

“Catie’s Closet is a HUGE asset to Lowell High School. In fact, it pains me to think what might NOT happen with these students who avail themselves of Catie’s Closet. One student, who has been homeless for over one year, has recently been inducted into the Honor Society. He outfitted himself in items from Catie’s Closet to attend the ceremony: shirt, tie, jacket, pants, shoes and socks. Would he have shown up for that ceremony with Catie’s Closet? No.”