On May 7, 2024, bipartisan, bicameral legislation was introduced to remove barriers to higher education access for homeless and foster youth. 

The Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth (HEASHFY) Act of 2024 S.4270/H.R. 8273, was re-introduced by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Mike Braun (R-IN) in the Senate, and by U.S. Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) and Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) in the House of Representatives.

Bill Text Fact Sheet Supporters Press Release

HEASHFY removes barriers and ensures that homeless and foster youth have clear and reliable pathways into and through higher education. This legislation:

• Requires institutions of higher education to designate a homeless and foster liaison to help students navigate higher education and access services;
• Requires institutions of higher education to develop a plan for homeless and foster youth to access on-campus housing during and between academic breaks;
• Asks states to grant in-state tuition rates to those students who haven’t had stable residency;
• Ensures that college access programs identify, recruit, and prepare homeless and foster students for college; and
• Requires data collection in the admissions process on homeless and foster youth to support student services and provide outcome data

Previous versions of HEASHFY included critical improvements to the financial aid process for homeless and foster youth, which were enacted by the FAFSA Simplification Act. To learn more about those changes, click here.

Watch this short video explaining this crucial bill!

This video features SHC Senior Federal Policy Manager TJ Lucas and Director of Higher Education Partnerships Jillian Sitjar discussing the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act. They explain the importance of this legislation for homeless and foster youth and how you can easily take action.

Action Needed:

1. Fill out a form to contact your Members of Congress
2. Endorse the bill as an organization