MVP MVP

Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo have seen their share of growth and new developments over the past several years. Businesses and apartment buildings have been replacing vast expanses of open prairie and farmland and new faces are filling both stores and classrooms alike. Hidden in the shadows of the boon and bustle of this increased growth however, has been a disturbing upwards trend in the number of homeless and unaccompanied youth, or youth with no parents or guardians active in their lives. In the 2014-2015 school year, the Fargo Public School District alone identified approximately 200 students as experiencing homelessness. That same year the school district’s homeless liaison, Jan Anderson, “provided support to 70-80 students per day.”

With overflowing shelters, a lack of resources and families already doubled up with other families, many of these youth become extremely vulnerable and yet are almost invisible to the general public, struggling with completing school while also trying to ensure that their basic needs are being met. Though federal grants have been implemented in districts such as the Fargo Public Schools to help address this issue, Anderson said that “the schools can only do so much.”

In 2011, Jenny Schuster, a local Park Company Realtor with a background in photography, became aware of the struggles that these homeless and unaccompanied youth face. Driven by the thought of “what am I doing to change the world, to make the world a better place?,” she volunteered her time and skills and joined efforts with photographer Michelle Warren to provide free senior photo sessions to the youth. Delving further and connecting with Anderson, Schuster realized that milestone events such as graduations and senior photos were often beyond the reach of a youth struggling with basic needs such as having a safe place to stay every night, and subsequently Matthew’s Voice Project (MVP) was born.

As a grassroots, collaborative effort with the Fargo Public Schools and with support from community members and Park Company Realtors (which has identified MVP as one of their supported charities), MVP works to fill the gap that federal grants and schools are unable to, focusing on everything from “building awareness and raising funds to helping at-risk youth with finding shelter, having toiletries, school supplies and necessary clothing.” As Anderson explained, “the heart and soul of this effort is through building relationships, and the key is to support these kids through high school so that they can graduate.” Noting that these kids can often be seen wandering around 24-hour establishments at 2 a.m. (for both safety and warmth), Anderson said that with MVP, “the kids finally have a voice.” Michelle Warren explained, “Most of these kids don’t have a choice as to their situations. No one knows what they have gone through, and it really shifts your mindset on what is a good day or a bad day.”

Though MVP is currently collaborating strictly with Fargo Public Schools, Schuster hopes that with increased awareness and fundraising this initiative will spread to other school districts and communities. “This had started as a tiny thing and now we’re starting to see a domino effect. We would love to see a mentoring program develop and eventually our goal is to provide a safe house. These children are our future and if we don’t show kindness, caring and compassion to them, how will they know how to show it to others?”

Community members who wish to help out are invited to bring donations directly to Schuster at the Park County Realtors’ office at 28 10th St. N. Often needed items by the students include bath sets, towels, pillows and pillow cases, boys jeans, hoodies, undergarments and gift cards. [AWM]