The Gainesville Housing Authority (GHA) will host its annual Back-to-School BBQ on Saturday, Aug. 8, providing local families with free backpacks, school supplies, food and activities to help students prepare for the new school year.
The free event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pine Meadows Community (2626 E. University Ave., Gainesville). The first 100 students in attendance will receive backpacks filled with school supplies.
In addition to free barbecue and refreshments, attendees will have access to self-care and hygiene items, games, prizes and family-friendly entertainment.
“Caring for our families and preparing our children for a successful school year takes the support of the entire community,” GHA CEO Pamela E. Davis said in a press release. “This event is more than providing backpacks and school supplies; it is about investing in the potential of every student and ensuring families have the resources and support they need to start the school year with confidence.”
The event will also celebrate the GHA’s recent score of 92 on its first inspection under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate, or NSPIRE, inspection model. The NSPIRE scoring system evaluates the physical condition of housing units with an emphasis on resident health and safety.
Organizers said residents played an important role in the successful inspection process.
Families attending the event can also enjoy bounce houses, music from DJ ELO, raffle prizes and a variety of outdoor games, including tug-of-war, sack races, cornhole and other activities for children and adults.
GHA is partnering with Dare to Be Different Youth Empowerment Organization for the third consecutive year. Officials said the collaboration has helped the Back-to-School BBQ expand each year.
Additional sponsors include the Early Learning Coalition, Journey in the Garden, ProjectHER, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., TB Goods and Strongminded Mentorship. Additional funding was provided by Rivers Warming Touch and the Children’s Trust of Alachua County. GC Solutions and Michelle Dorlean are providing volunteer support and raffle prizes.