Hello,

My name is Seojin Ha, a sophomore at Sunset High School.

During the Covid-19 period, the media reported increased homelessness in the Portland Metro area. As I witnessed these problems, I realized that there may be families and students among the homeless people. I started to look for any way to help them. I found a homeless student support program in my school district, the Beaverton School District’s McKinney-Vento Program.

The McKinney-Vento Program is a federal act that protects the educational rights of students experiencing housing instability. Specifically, the Beaverton School District, my school district, has served over 1,200 unstably housed students this school year and has one of the highest densities of homeless students in all of Oregon. One of the ways the McKinney-Vento program supports students by providing needed supplies and hygiene products like shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, laundry detergent, and more. Funds raised through this benefit concert will help provide these essential items for students.

Although my contribution may be small, I hope that I can create a positive impact in their lives. To help these students, many musicians have gathered to help them. Any donation can help a student and their family. I hope this event can be an opportunity for everyone to experience that their support can be a symbol of optimism for these students.

Melodies of McKinney-Vento will host a benefit concert with local young musicians. The proceeds of this concert will be used to support the needs of students served by the Beaverton School District McKinney-Vento team. A benefit concert will be held on Friday, January 26th, at 5:00 PM, at Portland State University Lincoln Performance Hall (Room 75) to show support and raise awareness. It would be greatly appreciated if you could come and participate by donating to help the McKinney-Vento Program. Any donation will make an impact.

Thank you to all the people who made this event possible: Dr. Christopher Whyte (Portland State University), Ms. Shinmyung Rho, Miles Galvin (Sunset High School), Jimin Lee (Lincoln High School), Eadric Li (Sunset High School), Andres Pinzon (Portland State University), Katie Liu (Westview High School), Macy Gong (Oregon Episcopal School), Katelyn Nguyen (Parkrose High School), Haruka Sakiyama (West Linn High School), Kate Huh (Sunset High School), Jacob Lee (Westview High School), Kyra Hamann (Sunset High School).

Sincerely,

Seojin Ha