BOUNTIFUL—First graders at Meadowbrook Elementary learned what it means to help others during the Christmas season with a “Service Scarves” project to tie fleece scarves for the homeless.

“I wanted the kids to know they needed to give back to our community,” said teacher Jodie Burch. “They can learn about their civic duty and members of the community that they need to be aware of and take care of.”

The kids also made cards that were tucked in a bag with the scarves. Misty Tucker, Community Action Coordinator with Open Doors in Clearfield will pick up the kits for distribution among the homeless.

“We’ll hand them out during the annual Point in Time count,” said Tucker. “We go out three nights in January looking for people experiencing homelessness. We put together backpacks with socks, snacks and scarves. We also do a survey to find out what we can do to help with their homeless situation.”

Tucker said the survey is part of their Homeless to Housing program. “To qualify for the program they must be homeless as considered by HUD which is living in a place not meant for human habitation or in a shelter.”

Applicants are interviewed then have a VI-SPDAT (Vulnerability Index- Service Prioritization Decision Tool) assessment, she said. “It measures the barriers to their housing situation. It gives a score then we move onto the second assessment that has similar questions but goes more in depth.”

The score puts them on the housing list, said Tucker. “Where they score determines where they get placed on the list. Usually the most vulnerable are first to get enrolled in the program. It’s up to them to find the housing and then we pay the deposit and first month’s rent. After that we pay at a declining rate for up to six months. We continue with case management and help them find employment to help them get back on their feet.”

Meadowbrook came to us about how they could help, she said. “We’re always trying to get sponsors for sure.”