
On July 28, the U.S. Department of Education released nearly $600 million in funds as part of the American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeless Children & Youth Program (ARP-HCY). A brief application was made available on July 6 for states to apply for the funds specifically to support the school identification, enrollment, participation, and success of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
This is the second disbursement of funds through the American Rescue Plan Act; the first disbursement of $200 million (ARP Homeless I) was made available on April 23, 2021.
In total, the $800 million through the ARP Homeless Children and Youth program is the single largest federal investment dedicated specifically to children and youth experiencing homelessness. It is eight times the FY2021 appropriation for the McKinney-Vento Act’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program, and more than the previous ten years of EHCY funding combined.
Key Facts:
- States must distribute at least 75% of ARP Homeless II funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) via a formula that uses the LEA’s allocation under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the number of homeless children and youth identified by the LEA in either the 2018-19 or 2019-20 school year, depending on which number is greater.
- Each state educational agency (SEA) must submit a very brief application to ED prior to receiving ARP Homeless II funds. The application consists of only a cover sheet and a series of assurances. It is due within fourteen days of its publication (which we calculate to be July 20, 2021). In addition, one of the assurances in the application is that the SEA also will submit an ARP-HCY plan within sixty days of publication of the application (which we calculate to be September 3, 2021).
- Just as with ARP Homeless I:
- LEAs may use ARP Homeless II funds for “any expenses necessary to facilitate the identification, enrollment, retention, and educational success of homeless children and youth,” including providing wraparound services.
- ARP Homeless II funds are to be used in addition to the supports and services provided with ESSER funds. The needs of students experiencing homelessness must be addressed through the use of the ARP ESSER funds at the state level, as well as through the required 20% LEA reservation to address the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on specific student groups, including students experiencing homelessness.
SchoolHouse Connection is thrilled that the results of our advocacy have come to fruition and that more communities than ever before will receive specific funding to identify and support children and youth experiencing homelessness.
We are excited to work with states, local educational agencies, service providers, and communities to ensure that these funds are leveraged to meet urgent and immediate needs, and to spark innovation and transformation in how our nation responds to the needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness.
For more details on ARP Homeless Children and Youth funds, see SHC’s overview of the timing, allocation, and uses of funds, in question and answer format, here.
Overview of U.S. Department of Education Guidance on American Rescue Plan Act Homeless Children and Youth Funding
This document summarizes the July 6, 2021 and the April 23, 2021 announcements from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) regarding funding from the American Rescue Plan Act for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
[Webinar] The New ARP Homeless Funding: An Overview and Discussion of ED’s July 6 Announcement
Recorded on July 27, 2021
On July 6, the U.S Department of Education made available a brief application for states to apply for $600 million from the American Rescue Plan Act specifically to support the school identification, enrollment, participation, and success of children and youth experiencing homelessness. This is in addition to the $200 million released this spring. This webinar will review the timing, allocation, application, and uses of ARP Homeless funds. Which LEAs will receive funding, how much, and when? We’ll also highlight ideas and strategies for making the most of this historic opportunity to expand and improve systems to identify and support children and youth experiencing homelessness, and respond to the heightened needs and challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch the Recording
Download the Powerpoint
SchoolHouse Connection’s Consulting Services
We offer a range of consulting services for states and LEAs, including comprehensive needs assessments, state and local strategic planning, capacity-building for LEAs that have not received EHCY subgrants in the past but will receive ARP Homeless II funds, customized training and professional development plans, state policy review and advocacy, and tailored outreach materials. Online professional development courses are coming soon. See examples of our work and learn more about our consulting services.
Select SchoolHouse Connection Resources
- How to Use American Rescue Plan Act K-12 Education Funds to Identify and Support Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
- Supporting Young Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness with American Rescue Plan Act Funds
- Navigating the American Rescue Plan Act’s Relief for Children, Youth, and Families Experiencing Homelessness
- School Reopening and Recovery: Considerations for Serving Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness