LACOE Distributes Thousands of Essential Supplies to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness

LACOE Distributes Thousands of Essential Supplies to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness

Tue Nov 03 12:13:00 PST 2026

From backpacks to everyday essentials, a community effort is helping students experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County start the school year with the resources they need.

The Los Angeles County Office of Education's Homeless Education Program (HEP) wrapped up its 2026 School Supply Distribution, providing thousands of school supplies and everyday essentials to support students and families experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County.

Made possible by generous donors, dedicated volunteers and community partners, the distribution helped meet needs both in and beyond the classroom. Items distributed included:

• 184 backpacks (288 supply-filled backpacks)

• 4,130 school supply kits

• 632 diaper packs

• 936 packs of baby wipes

• 840 bottles of shampoo

• 484 bottles of conditioner

• 3,600 bottles of body lotion

• 1,080 adult clothing sleep suits

• 1,510 pairs of socks

• 1,423 pairs of shoes

  • 740 pairs through 4EveryKid by Soles4Souls

  • 673 from Baby2Baby

• 750 4EveryKids bundles (shoes and socks)

These items, along with additional supplies, helped over 120 local education agencies (LEAs). Each donation helps students arrive at school prepared to learn while giving families access to essential resources. This year we supported 105 LEAs, change to over 100 instead?

Contributions to LACOE's Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive, along with generous support from partners SupplyBank, Soles4Souls and Baby2Baby, helped make this year's distribution possible. Volunteers also gave their time during distribution week to help get supplies into the hands of those who need them.

LACOE thanks every donor, volunteer and community partner who contributed to this collective effort to support students and families experiencing homelessness.

_{About the Homeless Education Program}

LACOE's Homeless Education Program (HEP) supports school districts and charter schools in serving students experiencing homelessness. The program helps schools connect students and families with resources and address barriers to enrollment, attendance and academic success.

For more information on resources for students and families experiencing homelessness, visit www.lacoe.edu/hep.