Supporting Students Through the Season at the Winter Resource Fair

On December 5, 2025 San José Unified’s McKinney-Vento team transformed a winter afternoon into a celebration of warmth, connection, and community care. The Winter Resource Fair was created with one goal in mind: to support students and families experiencing housing instability by bringing essential resources, joyful experiences, and holiday cheer together in one welcoming space.

The free event served over 30 families, and approximately 70 students experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program, as well as foster students and their families, and doubled as a warm coat giveaway to ensure students were prepared for the colder months ahead. The McKinney-Vento program supports children and youth experiencing homelessness by helping them enroll, attend, and succeed in school. Families were welcomed with hot chocolate, a meal provided by Shrimpn Aint Eazy, and opportunities to connect with a wide range of San José Unified partners and community organizations offering everything from nutrition information and mental health resources to books, socks, STEM kits, and youth sports opportunities.

Behind the scenes, the fair was the result of careful coordination and deep commitment from the McKinney-Vento team. Diana Garcia, Office Specialist, who played a key role in organizing the event, helped ensure that every detail—from coat distribution to partner logistics—came together smoothly.

“I coordinated and communicated with our school site liaison for support in ordering the jackets for our McKinney-Vento and foster students,” Garcia shared. “I was responsible for submitting the jacket orders that were shared by the school liaisons and tracking the orders received. Best of all, wrapping the coats for the students was fun and fulfilling.”

In addition to managing the coat giveaway, Garcia worked closely with community organizations to align timelines, materials, and logistical needs. Partners who tabled at the event included Catholic Charities, YMCA of Silicon Valley, Think Together, America SCORES, Bill Wilson Center, and Galileo Camps. Their presence helped expand the fair into a one-stop resource hub where families could learn about services while their children participated in fun, engaging activities.

“Events like the resource fair allow families to access essential information in a single visit with resources and services that may address their immediate needs and possibly long-term goals,” Garcia explained. “It is a great starting point for families to get connected with various services.”

Throughout the day, the atmosphere reflected exactly that sense of connection. Families gathered to make holiday cards, enjoy warm drinks, share a meal, and spend time together in a relaxed, festive environment.

“It was great to see the families in person and see the smiles on their faces enjoying all the activities,” Garcia said. “It was great to see all the families interacting and having fun while making holiday cards, drinking hot chocolate, or enjoying their meal.”

One of the most exciting moments of the fair was the raffle, which included bicycles, YMCA memberships, and family ice-skating trips to Downtown Ice. These experiences were designed to create joyful memories beyond the event itself—and for some families, they made long-held wishes possible.

“While many families expressed their gratitude, I found the words of a parent heartening,” Garcia shared. “She shared that she hoped to take her daughters to the ice rink this year. When she won the Downtown Ice tickets giveaway, she was overjoyed that going to the ice rink was now possible.”

For Garcia, the true success of the Winter Resource Fair extended beyond the tangible items families received. “Beyond the resources and giveaways, I hope the families felt a sense of community, support, and trust to reach out to our department if they have questions,” she said.

The Winter Resource Fair was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when schools and community partners come together with care and intention. San José Unified is grateful for the opportunity to support some of our most vulnerable students and families—and to spread warmth, dignity, and holiday joy during the season when it matters most. 

If you’d like to learn more about San José Unified’s McKinney-Vento program and the services we provide for families and students, please get in touch with homelessfosterprograms@sjusd.org or 408-535-6464.