The American Rescue Plan Act provided $800 million in funding specifically dedicated to support the identification, enrollment, and school participation of children and youth experiencing homelessness, including through wrap-around services. These funds, known as American Rescue Plan-Homeless Children and Youth Funds (ARP-HCY), were released in two phases; however, both Part I and Part II share the same allowable uses.
This document summarizes allowable uses of ARP-HCY funds; provides answers to questions received to date about specific uses; and offers recommendations for strategically using ARP-HCY funds to identify and support children and youth experiencing homelessness. This is a living document that will be updated as additional federal guidance is issued, and as state and local educational agencies continue to use ARP-HCY funds.
Please refer to the U.S. Department of Education’s ARP-HCY page for state award amounts, state plans, and frequently asked questions related to fiscal and programmatic issues. Specific questions can be directed to your state’s McKinney-Vento State Coordinator.
Table of Contents:
- What overarching principles govern the use of ARP-HCY funds?
- What is the deadline for drawing down (expending) ARP-HCY funds, and how should this deadline guide SEA and LEA strategies for using ARP-HCY funds?
- Who should be involved in determining how to use ARP-HCY funds?
- What are the broad categories of allowable uses of ARP-HCY funds?
- Questions and Answers Related to Specific Uses of ARP-HCY Funds
- Capacity Building and Staffing
- Outreach and Identification
- Transportation
- Housing-Related Supports
- Prepaid Debit and Store Cards
- Academic Support
- Wrap-around Services
- Early Childhood
- Postsecondary Planning and Transition
- Data Collection and Reporting
- Resources