Some live in cars a night or two then bounce between weekly motels rooms when their parents  can afford them.
Others end up spending a few weeks or so bedding down in the front room of family friends before moving to other temporary shelters — perhaps a garage or another couch somewhere else.
Some  are spending several months at one of HOPE Ministries’ three family shelters. A few live on the street.
They are the homeless students — a bit more than 600 out of 25,000 students districtwide — that attend the 30 campuses within Manteca Unified.
While the district has clothes closets run by various parent volunteers, the homeless students often lack hygiene items, shoes, and basic school supplies.
That’s where generous individuals and community groups working with the district’s health services come into play.
The latest to do so is the Manteca office for RE/MAX Executive Real Estate located on West Center Street at Union Road.
Health Service Director Leslie Agostini Tuesday morning accepted a check for more than $4,000 from five Realtors from RE/MAX Executive. The money came from a series of fundraising efforts by the Realtors that included an annual wine tasting at Delicato Vineyards.
 Sandi Larson said they were planning to have a new venue for their fundraising project next year because of the large number of people in attendance at the winery.
The district works with volunteers to assist students as much as they can.
One of the most high profile efforts that benefits both homeless students and other students in need for  families struggling financially are clothes closets operated at 10 campuses — East Union High, Manteca High, Sierra High, Weston Ranch High, Shasta, Brock Elliott, Neil Hafley, Lincoln, Joshua Cowell and Veritas.
Volunteers help operate the closets that accept new and gently used clothes. Cash donations allow the purchase of new underwear.
In some instances school personnel will look for a community benefactor to buy an essential item for a student.   
Donations from groups such as the Manteca Sorptomists, Women of Woodbridge, RE/MAX Executive, the Manteca Interfaith Community Appeal, Manteca Quilters, and private donations also provide everything from backpacks and toiletries to blankets.
 
To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.