ATLANTA - A mother in Atlanta, Sechita McNair, faced the toughest summer yet as she battled to secure a stable home for her three children. Economic hardships led to her family's eviction from their beloved neighborhood, forcing them to relocate in the hopes of providing her son Elias access to a better education. Despite the difficulties, including financial instability and navigating a complex housing market, McNair's determination to keep her children in their Atlanta schools remains unyielded.
Last year, the upheaval of being evicted from their hometown resulted in McNair's family moving to a less favorable school district, one that does not allocate as much funding as their previous one. Thankfully, federal protections for homeless students allowed her children to remain enrolled despite living far away, but the end of the school year left McNair anxious about their future.
With a little over a week to prepare before school resumed, McNair worked extra hours driving for Uber and sought financial assistance to afford a new apartment in the right neighborhood. Despite her efforts, the rented space presented hidden issues that she had yet to uncover. Still, the achievement of keeping her son Elias at Midtown High School - a highly regarded institution - felt monumental for her.
However, the struggles didn't stop. McNair's hopes for her son’s school stability were challenged when Elias struggled academically following personal trauma from the recent loss of his father. On his first day back, while appearing excited, McNair worried about what's next for Elias, especially as he expressed disinterest in his classes.
As challenges mounted with bills and housing security, McNair found herself juggling work, parenting responsibilities, and urgent renovations and repairs in their new home.
As the school year continues, McNair remains determined to provide her children with the educational opportunities they deserve, recognizing that stability at home is paramount in supporting their academic success. Despite everything, she is hopeful that the resources available in the Atlanta community will help her navigate these turbulent waters as she endeavors to secure a better future for her family.
Last year, the upheaval of being evicted from their hometown resulted in McNair's family moving to a less favorable school district, one that does not allocate as much funding as their previous one. Thankfully, federal protections for homeless students allowed her children to remain enrolled despite living far away, but the end of the school year left McNair anxious about their future.
With a little over a week to prepare before school resumed, McNair worked extra hours driving for Uber and sought financial assistance to afford a new apartment in the right neighborhood. Despite her efforts, the rented space presented hidden issues that she had yet to uncover. Still, the achievement of keeping her son Elias at Midtown High School - a highly regarded institution - felt monumental for her.
However, the struggles didn't stop. McNair's hopes for her son’s school stability were challenged when Elias struggled academically following personal trauma from the recent loss of his father. On his first day back, while appearing excited, McNair worried about what's next for Elias, especially as he expressed disinterest in his classes.
As challenges mounted with bills and housing security, McNair found herself juggling work, parenting responsibilities, and urgent renovations and repairs in their new home.
As the school year continues, McNair remains determined to provide her children with the educational opportunities they deserve, recognizing that stability at home is paramount in supporting their academic success. Despite everything, she is hopeful that the resources available in the Atlanta community will help her navigate these turbulent waters as she endeavors to secure a better future for her family.
