SchoolHouse Connection

Today is the last day to obligate American Rescue Plan - Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) funding. (Funds may still be liquidated for a period of time - tap the link below for more details.)   It has been an intense three and a half years. From the morning of March 6, 2021, when our collective advocacy led to the passage of the bipartisan amendment that created ARP-HCY, to this moment, we’ve witnessed the hope and the inspiration – as well as the frustration and the heartache – of the ARP-HCY era.    While we can’t overlook the frustrations with ARP-HCY – chief among them the short time frame – neither should the challenges stop us from celebrating the incredible accomplishments. During an extraordinarily stressful time, you moved mountains for students who would otherwise be overlooked. And ARP-HCY made a tremendous difference for students who did receive assistance, even if we cannot – for the moment – continue to help in the same way.   Still, the loss of ARP-HCY funding is painful. Students experiencing homelessness face unique barriers that generalized education funds simply do not address. When their unique educational barriers are not removed, they miss out on the benefits of other education funding. This puts them at much greater risk of dropping out and continuing to experience homelessness as adults. If we want to truly solve homelessness, we need robust, sustainable, and flexible education funding that is specifically focused on students experiencing homelessness.    If we wish to leverage the lessons learned from ARP-HCY to make the case for sustainable investments, it is now up to all of us to make it happen. That means using the information that we have, quantitative and qualitative, to tell the story of ARP-HCY. And it means communicating directly with elected officials, not just once, but often.There is only so much that “professional advocates” like SHC can do. We can convene, we can draft policies, we can translate the wonky stuff, but we are not the most compelling spokespeople -- you are.    Today may mark the closing of one chapter, but if we work together and make our voices heard, it also may mark the opening of a new chapter – a chapter where every policymaker and every school leader understands that there can be no equity in education, and there can be no lasting solution to homelessness, without adequate targeted resources for public schools. Visit the link for three actions you can take, our full statement and, most powerfully, local voices on the impact of ARP-HCY funds. https://lnkd.in/dZVkt-Sh

Recent natural disasters will further the ongoing crisis of student homelessness, which rose by 14% last year. These crucial funds help to identify students experiencing homelessness, ensure they are enrolled in school, and support them during an intensely traumatic period. AASA, The School Superintendents Association Afterschool Alliance All4Ed ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BUSINESS OFFICIALS INTERNATIONAL Council of Administrators of Special Education Council of Chief State School Officers Education Reform Now Learning Policy Institute National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Association of School Psychologists National Conference of State Legislatures National School Boards Association SchoolHouse Connection The Education Trust

📣 Please take 10 minutes to help us support your efforts & guide future homeless student funding! Fill out our 2024 survey https://lnkd.in/dDennKA8 Past SHC national homeless liaison surveys have led to increased resources and flexibility to serve students experiencing #homelessness.

We are so proud of you Cheyenne Eckard!

📣 Join SchoolHouse Connection Tuesday, November 12th as we highlight two programs that innovatively serve expectant and first time parents through education and workforce development, while connecting infants and toddlers experiencing #homelessness to high quality education and developmental supports. ✍️ Sign up: https://bit.ly/40ftj7o 🙌 Thank you to co-presenters from The Student Age Parent Program of The School District of Beloit in Wisconsin and New Moms in Chicago, Illinois!

Many students and families arrive in the U.S. from other countries without safe, stable housing, and experience #homelessness and high mobility that can last for months. Here are valuable resources on how to best support these families and youth. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dj8Kr34D

For many students, homeless means school-less — and things could get even worse. SchoolHouse Connection Executive Director Barbara Duffield pens a new piece for The 74 Media on how targeted funding from Congress could go a long way to help students and their families experiencing #homelessness. But how pervasive misconceptions stand in the way. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dwDcMNv3

By 2031, 85% of good jobs will go to workers with some form of postsecondary education/training. (Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce) Thank you to all #Financialaid professionals helping homeless youth overcome barriers to pursuing higher education, so they can break cycles of #homelessness forever.

💡 Here are 5 key policies for schools supporting students displaced by disasters, with quick tips for their implementation. Schools provide stability, normalcy, and support for students impacted by disasters. This includes those staying in shelters, trailers provided by FEMA, housing paid for by programs like Rapid Re-Housing, transitional living facilities, etc. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ddMUc_nr 🎥 https://lnkd.in/d5W4brJk

“I know you don’t control the resources you have. But you do control how you show up. How you show up is what truly determines whether school is a safe, consistent space for students experiencing homelessness. My ask is that you slow down and show up authentically and consistently for the students you work with,” said 2024 SHC Scholar Shakara (GA) in a keynote speech at the Georgia Department of Education McKinney-Vento Conference. Shakara's powerful reflections on her K-12 and higher education experiences offered valuable insights on how educators can enhance their programs and better serve students, earning her a standing ovation. #homelessness #homelessyouth #youthadvocate