In May 2022, 92 U.S. Representatives signed a bipartisan “Dear Colleague” letter in support of $800 million in funding for the McKinney-Vento Act’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program, the same amount as provided by a bipartisan amendment to the American Rescue Plan Act.
The American Rescue Plan Act Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) funds have been instrumental in meeting the growing needs of students experiencing homelessness in the wake of the pandemic, including through wraparound services. An equal level of funding in the FY2023 budget would allow more school districts to sustain and advance the considerable progress that the ARP-HCY funds are making possible.
The letter also called for $300 million for Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) programs. RHYA programs prevent trafficking, identify survivors, and provide services to runaway, homeless, and disconnected youth, yet only 25% of applicants currently receive funding. With an increased appropriation, young people will be empowered to thrive as they transition to adulthood.
EHCY and RHYA are the only two federal programs specifically geared towards meeting the needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
The letter was authored by U.S. Representatives John Yarmuth (D-KY), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Danny Davis (D-IL). You can view the final letter, and see if your U.S. Representative signed on to the final Dear Colleague letter here.
Take Action Today to Support Robust Funding for the EHCY and RHYA Programs!
Use the below action form to urge your U.S. Representative to support robust FY23 funding for EHCY and RHYA programs.