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

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. This page contains valuable resources on how to best support these families and youth, and help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in school and beyond. ?? https://bit.ly/3OsiqIh #homelessness #migrantfamilies #immigrantfamilies

Shared important and timely updates on the FY 2025 budget negotiations and other critical legislation making its way through Congress at the NAEHCY, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth conference in Orlando, Florida.

?? Hello all and a big welcome to all our new connections! We are so thrilled you all are here. In addition to connecting here, be sure to join our collaborative SHC community on Slack ?? bit.ly/SHC-slack ??For resources and to get to know more about us and our work, head over to SchoolHouseConnection.org.

We enjoyed presenting eight sessions at the #NAEHCY NAEHCY, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth conference last week in Orlando! Thank you to all of our partners, co-presenters, and attendees. We had a blast connecting with everyone (new & seasoned) throughout the conference and at our exhibit table. One participant shared, "It's so nice to see you all in person instead of a screen. YOU ARE REAL! I relied so much on SchoolHouse Connection when I first started out as a liaison. Thank you for all you do!" Looking for slides from one of our sessions? ?? https://bit.ly/4fBrpms

How many children in your community experience homelessness? Searchable data profiles from Poverty Solutions and SchoolHouse Connection allow you to see child homelessness data by state, county, Congressional district & school district: https://lnkd.in/gXgAa_pD #HomelessnessAwarenessMonth

The 2025-26 #FAFSA is out now, with a key update for unaccompanied #homeless youth! Tap the link to walk through how to answer questions about homelessness on the updated FAFSA with SHC Director of Higher Education Jillian Sitjar. ?? https://bit.ly/467nslw ?? And for much more, visit https://lnkd.in/d_zcCT3N. #dothefafsa #highereducation #homelessness #education

?? Join us Dec. 5 for our SchoolHouse Connection State Policy Priorities and Engagement webinar. ?? Register: https://lnkd.in/dQndM4ZG Attendees will learn about key state policies and have the opportunity to provide input on emerging issues to inform SHC’s state advocacy strategies. We’ll also outline advocacy tips and opportunities for advocacy training as part of?SHC’s Advocacy Network!

We are looking forward to presenting?eight sessions + exhibiting?this weekend at the NAEHCY, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth conference. If you are attending, be sure to catch our sessions and swing by the exhibit and connect!

Caelyn (WA), SchoolHouse Connection 2023 National Scholar, shares a powerful message for school staff, encouraging them to recognize and respond to the unique needs of students facing frequent moves and instability. CJ’s story sheds light on the importance of educators being aware of potential “red flags” and prepared to provide meaningful assistance.