SANFORD, Fla. \u2013 Days before the start of the school year, newly transformed \u201cneeds spaces\u201d are being revealed at different schools across Central Florida.<\/p>\n
The \u201cneeds spaces\u201d were reimagined through an effort from the Addition Financial Foundation and designed to support students and families experiencing financial hardship.<\/p>\n
On Monday, a redesigned food pantry and lounge was unveiled at Seminole High School\u2019s 9th Grade Center \u2014 one of five schools across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, and Lake counties to receive a makeover through the foundation\u2019s Renovate to Educate program.<\/p>\n
The renovations were made as an estimated 20,000 students across those five counties are currently experiencing homelessness.<\/p>\n
[WATCH: Seminole County superintendent touts academic gains amid budget challenges]<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is going to address food insecurity. When our kiddos need clothing, they need food, and they have a space to come, they will definitely be ready to compete academically and prepare them for the classroom,\u201d said Dr. Jamie Washington, principal of Seminole High School\u2019s 9th Grade Center.<\/p>\n
Washington said the timing and accessibility of the space are critical to its success.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t say when a child is going to be hungry, so if that child is distracted from the learning process, we want to make sure they get some support,\u201d Washington said.<\/p>\n
The Renovate to Educate program worked alongside Seminole State College\u2019s Interior Design Program to give each school a customized redesign based on its unique needs. Volunteers spent the summer painting, assembling furniture, decorating the spaces, and stocking shelves with food, hygiene products, clothing, and other essentials.<\/p>\n
Cristina Lehman, executive director of the Addition Financial Foundation, said the goal was to create spaces where students feel genuinely welcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe really wanted to make it a very welcoming space because we don\u2019t know what their home lives look like. So, at least here they have a space they can call their own that they can hang out and feel very comfortable,\u201d Lehman said.<\/p>\n
At Seminole High School, district leaders said about 46% of students are from low-income families and there are 224 students at the school who are considered homeless.<\/p>\n
Washington said she hopes the space fosters a deeper sense of belonging for students who may be struggling at home.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want them to have a sense of pride. I want them to feel like as if whatever problems they are facing at home, they\u2019re going to be at least temporarily going away, so that while they\u2019re here they can perform at their best,\u201d Washington said.<\/p>\n