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

"The challenge is almost circular. You don’t see the students, so you don’t think they’re there. Then you don’t set aside enough funding to have the capacity to go out and find the students. Potentially half of students who are experiencing homelessness are not being identified," SchoolHouse Connection Executive Director Barbara Duffield shared with St. Louis Public Radio on the barrier lack of funding can be for the identification of students experiencing #homelessness. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4hqBaFn

The School District of Philadelphia will invest $2.3M for homeless education support and continue the capacity created by the American Rescue Plan through to June 2025. Full story: https://lnkd.in/dJKgZq43

Last week, the SchoolHouse Connection team came together for our annual strategic retreat in DC. Facing unique barriers (and new opportunities), we remain focused, strategic, and results-driven in advocating for the critical role that education plays in overcoming #homelessness.

Even if staying temporarily with others, students are entitled to educational rights and protections under the McKinney-Vento Act. 👉 Use these customizable flyers to communicate their rights (also available en Español): https://lnkd.in/ddMUc_nr #Homeless #displaced #disaster

Honored to have spoken at an event this summer focused on empowering homeless youth to pursue college and enter the workforce. Programs like the one we discussed provide critical support—from academic resources to career training—helping young people overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency. Witnessing the resilience and determination of my fellow speakers reminds me of the importance of accessible, compassionate support systems. Together, we can build pathways to opportunity for every young person. #YouthEmpowerment #EducationForAll #SocialWork #Advocacy

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!