Rebecca Schmitt has a 4.2 grade-point average and is valedictorian at Maynard Jackson High School.
But she and her mother, who is disabled, once were evicted from their home in South Florida, Channel 2 Action News reported. Schmitt recalled recently how social workers helped her get ready for the prom.
So Schmitt can relate to a new website, Purposity, that aims to connect students with needs with people who want to help.
"We are excited to officially announce our partnership with Atlanta Public Schools," Purposity said on its Facebook page.
Many students could benefit. APS noted that about 1,800 of its 52,000 students are homeless.
The site has “wish lists.” Some students need a hair dryer, others might need clothes or blankets.
Then, the website comes in.
“School systems and nonprofits in local communities let us know needs in our area,” according to website information. “We spread the word to individuals near them who are willing to help. They click a link, see the need, and make a difference for someone near them.”
Purposity said it takes about two minutes to go through the process, and a student will have help within two days, the station reported.
“You go to Amazon, you check out at Amazon and then it’s shipped to them,” founder Blake Canterberry said. “No money touches our hands at all.”
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