Fresno Housing Pilot Improves Student School Attendance
The Crossroads Village project helps students stay in class by providing stable housing near Fort Miller Middle School.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Crossroads Village Housing Pilot Program in Fresno has improved attendance for over half of its 64 student participants after one year. This housing-adjacent initiative, which serves 20 families living near Fort Miller Middle School, also significantly reduced office discipline referrals for most students.
Why it matters
The program aims to stabilize family life by addressing the underlying instability that frequently causes missed school days and student behavior problems. By providing stable housing and on-site support, the pilot seeks to remove logistical barriers to academic success.
In its first year, the program served 64 students across 20 families living in the 143-unit Crossroads Village complex. Fresno Unified and the Fresno Teachers Association each invested over $156,000 into the project.
The players
Fresno Unified
The local school district that provides public education and administrative oversight for students in the area.
Fresno Teachers Association
The labor union representing local educators and school staff that supports professional development and district initiatives.
The details
The program operates by placing families in housing directly adjacent to Fort Miller Middle School to eliminate transportation and housing instability. To support student focus and health, residents also receive access to on-site case management, a food pantry, mental health care, and laundry facilities.
Timeline
2024-2025 Q4 served as the baseline measurement period for discipline referrals.
2025-2026 Q4 results showed a decline in office discipline referrals.
First-year program results were officially released on October 9, 2026.
The Home Front
This pilot aligns with broader national efforts to connect student performance to residential stability rather than focusing solely on classroom interventions. It signals a shift in how districts evaluate the hidden costs of housing instability on local school logistics.
Families facing housing instability should contact their school district office to learn about available support resources and local programs. Keep documentation of your current lease and student records organized to streamline the application process for local housing initiatives.
The takeaway
The Crossroads Village model demonstrates that physical and logistical stability are key components of a student's academic performance. Families interested in similar support services should inquire with local housing authorities about available project-based assistance programs.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic initiatives in Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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