Our Services

Homeless children need extra time and attention if the educational system is to do its job, but they often have no one in their lives who can give it to them. School on Wheels brings the message to our students that they are cared about and important, and our programs serve as a consistent support system at a time of great stress and fear.

  • One-on-One Tutoring
    The heart of the School on Wheels program is the hundreds of volunteer tutors who come from all backgrounds and professions to tutor, mentor, and assist in the education of a homeless child. (Go to Volunteer page) Tutors meet once a week with a child and help her learn to read and write, complete homework, or work on special projects. Tutors also arrange field-trips, art fairs, and other extra-curricular activities for the children. Most of all, tutors help their students believe in themselves and their potential to succeed.

    Last year, over 1,000 volunteers donated 90,000 hours of their time to help homeless children. We currently work in seven major regions in Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

  • Backpacks and School Supplies
    For a homeless child, a backpack and school supplies are gold. They have no desk to call their own, no quiet study area, but with a backpack, they have their own place to keep their own supplies. The potential of clean paper and colored pencils is a powerful talisman for a child with so little else in his life. Last year, School on Wheels provided over 6,000 brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies.  You can click here if you would like to donate a backpack now. 

  • Uniforms
    Although illegal, some public schools in Southern California still deny entry to students not in uniform or place them in detention. Homeless children frequently don’t have the necessary clothing; uniforms allow them to blend in and not stand out as homeless. Last year, we funded uniforms for every student who needed them.  Check out our students' wish list to see what else they need and how you can help.

  • Toll-free Number
    We give each of our students a toll-free number so that they can keep in touch with us no matter where they are or how often they move.



  • School Enrollment
    We help hundreds of children enroll in school. In the extreme mobility characteristic of being homeless, children move from school to school – and each move requires a re-enrollment process that can take weeks without the help of an organization like School on Wheels. We assist parents with gathering needed records and documents. 

  • Guidance.
    We counsel parents on the educational opportunities open to their children, making them aware of special requirements they  need to fulfill and of special programs they should investigate.