Overcoming
homelessness through education

“A couple years ago, you helped me get financial aid as an unaccompanied homeless youth. You advocated for me and used your voice so that I could go back to school and get my degree. I’m not sure if you remember, but you played an integral role in standing up for me and representing me so that Hunter College would give me the financial aid I needed to enroll for classes. I just want to say thank you. You were at the beginning of this whole journey. I remember when you called me back, a few hours after I left you a voicemail. I didn’t think anyone was going to call me back. I remember how miserable and desperate I was and how you rescued me from that situation. I remember how you paid attention to me and my goals. And all I want to say is thank you.”

“I cannot express how much SchoolHouse Connection has helped me in the past six school years. I relied heavily on your guidance documents and resources to learn the position. I will never forget receiving your phone call after submitting an interest in consulting. I was struggling with keeping up with the demands of the position and with not having the support/guidance I needed at the time. Partnering with SchoolHouse Connection for consulting was my best career move. Having assistance getting efficient and effective policies and procedures in place changed the trajectory of my position. The program has run more smoothly this year than ever before. I truly thank you for the incredible resources and advocacy your organization promotes.”

SchoolHouse Connection has benefited me in numerous ways. My continued experience with trying to achieve secondary education would not be possible without the academic advising support that I am fortunate to receive from this organization. Furthermore, SchoolHouse Connection has welcomed me with open arms and acceptance and continues to guide me through a shared systemic experience. I feel empowered, because I am not alone. I know I have my SchoolHouse Connection family and friends.

Without the help of SchoolHouse Connection, North Dakota would not have passed legislation to allow unaccompanied youth to gain access to their own vital records and have access to health care. The youth who led the project came up with the challenges that they wanted to address, and we worked together to make it happen, alongside the youth. SchoolHouse Connection gets it. They have the expertise to help youth-led projects go from a good listening session to actions that change the lives of future generations of youth experiencing homelessness!

Over the years, SchoolHouse Connection has provided my CARE Services team at Kennesaw State University with needed resources, invaluable training, and individualized support. Because of our work with SchoolHouse Connection, we are better able to serve students who are experiencing homelessness while enrolled in college. Barbara and her team have helped us advance this field of practice, heighten awareness of homelessness, and improve campus efforts to better serve vulnerable student populations.