We recently conducted a survey with our email and social media audiences to gain a better understanding of the struggles community members are currently facing.

The responses we received were very insightful, shining a light on the specific concerns and challenges local individuals and families grapple with as we head into the new school year. Here are the top concerns, in your neighbors’ voices.

1. Students will not have the adequate clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, and other back-to-school and child-related essentials due to rising costs.

Inflation has impacted nearly every aspect of our spending lives, and back-to-school items are no exception. Notebooks and folders are up 32% over last year, backpacks are up 12%, costing $70 on average, Sharpies are up 55%, and Elmer’s Glue is up nearly 30%. Read more here.

“[My concerns about the school year ahead are] that children will not not have school supplies needed for school. Also, clothing, shoes, and hygiene products that they need to have a successful start to the school year.”

2. The rising costs make it difficult to afford basic necessities such as rent, insurance, food and utilities, and continue a normal lifestyle.

Inflation is wreaking havoc on family and individual budgets, making it so regular monthly budgets don’t spread as far.

More than half of our survey respondents named food, gas, and clothing as the most challenging needs to meet.

Inflation causes more financial struggle for those already in poverty or with minimal financial means. This results in an increase in need for Catie’s Closet’s services.

“[We are struggling most with] living within our means, grocery bill is up, kids are home for summer, thinking of selling a 2nd vehicle to lower monthly expenses.”

“Cost of groceries and gas have become a burden, fear of cost of oil and electricity heading into the fall. I did see that our Governor passed a bill for free school meals for ALL children again this year which is a blessing as we are just on the cusp of qualifying for free or reduced lunch. My friend in Woburn posted her electric bill doubled from last month cost wise and the rate is only expected to climb.”

3. Parents are under more pressure, which can make home life stressful for kids.

Parental stress and burnout was already a concern before the pandemic. Today, with the current economic state, COVID-19, and other national and global conflicts, parents are under a tremendous amount of stress.

Unfortunately, it is common for parents to take out their stress on their kids, and this can be incredibly traumatic for children adding to their own stress or worries as the new school year begins.

“I’m concerned that the monetary stressors will make homes stressful places and our kids will be impacted by this.”

“Recession will multiply trauma and stress for many families who are still impacted by COVID.”

4. The continuous uncertainty of COVID-19 and its evolving impact on kids and communities.

While COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in many capacities, including in schools, the virus has not gone away completely yet. 

Many community members are still worried about a spike in COVID-19 or an introduction of a more dangerous variant during the school year. 

Additionally, respondents commented on students wanting to stay masked, not for health reasons, but to hide their faces. 

“I am concerned that things are going to get worse before they get better.”

5. Students have fallen behind in their education.

School closures, remote learning, and missed school days due to quarantines have all contributed to learning loss in students across every community we serve.

According to a recent study, gaps in test scores for students in low-income situations are greater than before the pandemic.

“I am concerned that teachers are still feeling burnt out and students still aren’t quite back to pre-pandemic academic levels.”

6. Safety within schools

A rise in mass shootings within schools, bullying, and other types of school violence have both kids and families worried about the safety of schools. 

While government and school officials affirm that schools remain a safe place, and Catie’s Closet is devoted to giving students a reason to turn to school, these worries are valid given the various incidents that take place all around us, including in the schools we serve.

“My concern is for my grandchildren, who attend elementary, high school and college. I am so afraid for their safety while in those buildings. Sometimes, I wish remote learning would return then I would know they are safe.”

Ready to help?

Back-to-school shopping is an expensive time of year, and for the students we serve, it may be impossible due to a number of factors, including poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, foster care situations or refugee asylum.

Whether a student is struggling to afford key back-to-school essentials, is finding it difficult to access these items, is struggling with self-esteem or mental health issues,  or just needs short-term help, Catie’s Closet is here to give students everything they need to have a successful start to the school year.

Make a donation today and help children get to school with everything they need every day of the year.