As COVID-19 disrupts education, services and life across the country, children and youth experiencing homelessness are exceptionally vulnerable. This page offers resources to help meet their needs as we respond to this global crisis.
American Rescue Plan-Homeless Children & Youth
The American Rescue Plan Act provided an historic $800 million to support the identification, enrollment, and school participation of children and youth experiencing homelessness, including through wrap-around services. This page contains some of the great ways that states and districts are using American Rescue Plan-Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) funds, as well as related resources and webinars.
We’ve received many questions from educators, service providers, and the public about COVID-19 and homeless students. This Frequently Asked Questions document compiles our best responses to the questions we’ve received, as well as strategies and practices from educators and providers across the country who have participated in our virtual conversations. We’ll continue to update this FAQ regularly.
How to Contact your McKinney-Vento Liaison
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, every local educational agency is required to designate a liaison for homeless children and youth. The local educational agency liaison coordinates services to ensure that homeless children and youths enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed academically.
Click HERE to find the contact information of your local homeless education liaison.
Note: This contact information may change frequently due to staff turnover. If you have problems finding the right school district homeless liaison, please contact your state homeless education coordinator.
Overview of U.S. Department of Education Guidance on American Rescue Plan Act Funds for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
[Published on July 6, 2021]
This document summarizes the April 23, 2021 letter to Chief State School Officers from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) regarding funding from the American Rescue Plan Act for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Navigating the American Rescue Plan Act’s Relief for Children, Youth, and Families Experiencing Homelessness
[Published on June 3, 2021]
The American Rescue Plan Act provides significant new resources to meet the education, early care, food, housing, and other basic needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. This navigation tool is designed to help early care, educators, and service providers navigate the major funding streams and connect with local and state agencies to help families and youth access assistance.
How to Use American Rescue Plan Act K-12 Education Funds to Identify and Support Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
[Published on April 22, 2021]
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), Congress’ most recent package for COVID-19 relief, provides nearly $123 billion in aid for K-12 education through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). This resource provides recommendations on how state agencies, schools, and districts can use ARP funds for students experiencing homelessness.
Federal Coronavirus Relief Funds and Students Experiencing Homelessness: How to Make “ESSER II” Funds Work for Your McKinney-Vento Students
[Published on February 2, 2021]
This brief provides specific strategies for, and examples of, directing COVID relief funds for children and youth experiencing homelessness at the local level. State education agencies should promote these practices by including and prioritizing them in local educational agency (LEA) applications, guidance, and monitoring.
Supporting Young Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness with American Rescue Plan Act Funds
[Published on June 11, 2021]
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), Congress’ most recent package for COVID-19 relief, includes billions of dollars dedicated to infants, toddlers, and children under the age of six. In addition to the $800 million in education funding included for identifying and supporting children and youth experiencing homelessness, there are opportunities across other funding streams to target supports for young children and families experiencing homelessness. This document provides recommendations for home visiting, child care providers, head start and early head start programs, and local education agencies.
Five Ways to Protect Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers Experiencing Homelessness During COVID-19
[Published on April 7, 2020]
Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers experiencing homelessness are even more vulnerable in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, as they struggle with disruptions in food, family, and housing, as well as the increased stress of caregivers. SchoolHouse Connection offers five strategies for young children experiencing homelessness during (and after) the COVID-19 crisis.
Strategies for Schools and Early Learning Programs
[Published in March 2020]
Schools and early childhood programs offer stability and safety. When schools and early learning programs close, or move to online learning, the health, safety, and well-being of homeless children and youth are jeopardized. This tip sheet offers strategies for schools and early learning programs.
Checklist for Local Education Agencies and Early Childhood Providers
[Published in March 2020]
All COVID-19 responses must proactively incorporate outreach to homeless families and unaccompanied youth, including those who are staying in “hidden” homeless situations. These families and youth are unlikely to benefit from initiatives that are predicated on a stable and safe home environment, consistent internet access, or reliable transportation.
Navigating the American Rescue Plan Act’s Relief for Children, Youth, and Families Experiencing Homelessness
[Published on June 3, 2021]
The American Rescue Plan Act provides significant new resources to meet the education, early care, food, housing, and other basic needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. This navigation tool is designed to help early care, educators, and service providers navigate the major funding streams and connect with local and state agencies to help families and youth access assistance.
How to Use American Rescue Plan Act K-12 Education Funds to Identify and Support Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
[Published on April 22, 2021]
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), Congress’ most recent package for COVID-19 relief, provides nearly $123 billion in aid for K-12 education through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). This resource provides recommendations on how state agencies, schools, and districts can use ARP funds for students experiencing homelessness.
School Reopening and Recovery: Considerations for Serving Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Identifying Students Experiencing Homelessness During School Building Closures
[Published on June 24, 2020]
With many school buildings completely or largely closed this fall, identifying students experiencing homelessness will require revisions to typical techniques. The anticipated increase in homelessness due to increased unemployment, family stress, and other factors also will complicate identification efforts. This checklist offers some strategies to promote robust identification of students experiencing homelessness during COVID-19.
Flyer to Help Identify Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
[Published in August 2020]
This printable flyer describes the signs of potential homelessness in a virtual learning world.
Removing Barriers to Online Enrollment for Students Experiencing Homelessness
[Published on August 12, 2020]
This checklist outlines some of the most common barriers to online enrollment for students experiencing homelessness and provides strategies for addressing them. Using this checklist to assess and remove barriers will help ensure students experiencing homelessness can have immediate and equitable access to school.
Keeping in Touch with Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness During School Building Closures
[Published on July 21, 2020]
Given the challenges of mobility, deep poverty, and trauma, keeping in touch with students and families experiencing homelessness can be a challenge in the best of times. With school buildings and early childhood programs closed, and students and families moving even more frequently due to COVID-19, maintaining connections is even more difficult. At the same time, the anticipated increase in homelessness over the coming months makes keeping in touch more important than ever. This checklist offers some strategies that liaisons, schools, and early childhood programs can use to keep in touch with students and families.
COVID-19 Checklist for State Education Leaders on Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
[Published on April 16, 2020]
SchoolHouse Connection offers this checklist of important considerations for SEA leaders to keep in mind as they review LEA plans, produce guidance for LEAs, and target and use stimulus funding to meet the needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Strategies for Schools and Early Learning Programs
[Published on March 13, 2020]
Schools and early childhood programs offer stability and safety. When schools and early learning programs close, or move to online learning, the health, safety, and well-being of homeless children and youth are jeopardized. This tip sheet offers strategies for schools and early learning programs.
Checklist for Local Education Agencies and Early Childhood Providers
[Published in March 2020]
All COVID-19 responses must proactively incorporate outreach to homeless families and unaccompanied youth, including those who are staying in “hidden” homeless situations. These families and youth are unlikely to benefit from initiatives that are predicated on a stable and safe home environment, consistent internet access, or reliable transportation.
Navigating the American Rescue Plan Act’s Relief for Children, Youth, and Families Experiencing Homelessness
[Published on June 3, 2020]
The American Rescue Plan Act provides significant new resources to meet the education, early care, food, housing, and other basic needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. This navigation tool is designed to help early care, educators, and service providers navigate the major funding streams and connect with local and state agencies to help families and youth access assistance.
Supporting College Students Experiencing Homelessness during COVID | Do’s and Dont’s
[Updated on September 1, 2021]
This living document describes strategies that colleges and universities can implement to ensure that students experiencing homelessness are supported during the pandemic, as well as practices to avoid.
Gearing up for Summer and Fall: 11 Tips for Maximizing Support for Students with Experience in Foster Care and Homelessness in Higher Education During the Pandemic
[Published on May 19, 2021]
Planning for the school year is complicated and young people need our help to make the best decisions possible. This resource by SchoolHouse Connection and Youth Law Center provide helpful tips for maximizing support for college homeless and foster youth.
Back to College and Training 2020: An Editable Toolkit for Assisting Youth with Experience in Foster Care or Homelessness
[Published on August 10, 2020]
The COVID-19 pandemic caused unexpected campus closures in mid-March. With the Fall 2020 school year approaching, some campuses have decided to resume in-person classes with heavy safety precautions to enforce social distancing, some are going completely remote, and some will be a hybrid of the two. Students need to make many decisions about if and how they want to resume their education in a way that is safe and meets their needs. Planning for the school year is complicated and young people need our help to make the best decisions possible. This resource provides tips for advocates and higher education institutions.
College & COVID-19: Do’s and Don’ts on Student Homelessness
[Published in August 2020]
Students experiencing homelessness face many barriers in their pursuit of higher education. The pandemic has created even more barriers to their education, health, and safety. Institutions can use this checklist to review their policies and practices to ensure that they support students experiencing homelessness, and help rather than hinder their enrollment, retention, and success.
How Financial Aid Administrators Can Respond to COVID-19’s Impact on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Seeking Financial Aid
[Published on May 26, 202o]
The COVID-19 crisis has created new barriers to financial aid for unaccompanied homeless youth. But with support from financial aid and other supportive higher education professionals, these students can continue making their dreams of a college education come true. Here are relatively simple ways that financial aid administrators (FAAs) can help to remove barriers for these vulnerable students.
Five Strategies to Help Homeless Youth Transition to College During COVID-19
[Published on April 20, 2020]
The COVID-19 crisis requires McKinney-Vento liaisons and other educators to think creatively about how to carry out their responsibilities to help youth experiencing homelessness transition to higher education. Here are five strategies to help keep the dream of a postsecondary education alive for youth experiencing homelessness, during and beyond these troubled times.
Higher Education Resource: COVID-19 Response for Youth Who Are Homeless or in Foster Care
[Published on March 17, 2020]
Many students who have experienced homelessness or foster care do not have a strong support system to which they can turn to in times of crisis. They may not have a caring adult to call for advice or information on how to keep safe and healthy. This guide aims to provide concrete tips and resources in order to support students who are homeless or with experience in foster care during the COVID-19 crisis in order to promote health and educational success.
Supporting Homeless and Foster Youth During the Holidays Amidst COVID-19
[Published on November 19, 2020]
Earlier this year, SchoolHouse Connection, Youth Villages, and Juvenile Law Center created an editable toolkit for colleges and universities to help inform decisions to support students with experience with homelessness and foster care during COVID-19. As the semester comes to a close and the holidays are quickly approaching, we offer six tips for institutions to support these students.
Navigating the American Rescue Plan Act’s Relief for Children, Youth, and Families Experiencing Homelessness
[Published on June 3, 2021]
The American Rescue Plan Act provides significant new resources to meet the education, early care, food, housing, and other basic needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. This navigation tool is designed to help early care, educators, and service providers navigate the major funding streams and connect with local and state agencies to help families and youth access assistance.
State Laws on Minor Consent for Routine Medical Care
[Published on May 3, 2021]
This document includes 31 states, and the District of Columbia, with laws allowing minors who are living on their own, including unaccompanied minors experiencing homelessness, to consent for routine health care, which should include vaccinations.
Economic Stimulus Payments: How to Help Homeless Youth Access Economic Stimulus Payments
[Published on January 22, 2021]
Cash going directly to youth experiencing homelessness has been shown to significantly help these youth stabilize and exit homelessness. Economic Stimulus Payments are one way to get cash directly to young people who need it the most. We know that young people and those helping them access these funds have encountered multiple barriers. This tip sheet is the best advice we have received.
Fact Sheet on Stimulus Payments and Homeless Youth
[Published on April 16, 2020]
This one-page fact sheet details key information and important considerations about the stimulus payments and homeless youth. The fact sheet is the result of a collaboration among SchoolHouse Connection, the National Network for Youth, and our pro bono partner, Baker McKenzie.
Navigating the American Rescue Plan Act’s Relief for Children, Youth, and Families Experiencing Homelessness
[Published on June 3, 2021]
The American Rescue Plan Act provides significant new resources to meet the education, early care, food, housing, and other basic needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. This navigation tool is designed to help early care, educators, and service providers navigate the major funding streams and connect with local and state agencies to help families and youth access assistance.
These documents are excellent models for other states to help ensure equitable access to education and services for students experiencing homelessness, as the school year begins under the shadow of COVID-19.
- New York Attorney General and New York State Education Department – Guidance to Local Education Agencies to Support Homeless Students
- Illinois State Board of Education – Supporting Homeless Students During the 2020-21 School Year: Guidance for Schools and Districts
- Connecticut State Department of Education – COVID-19 and Homelessness: Information for Schools
- New Mexico Public Education Department – Homeless and Housing Unstable Students: Legal Obligations and Best Practices for School Reentry
- Georgia Department of Education – Title IX, Part A – McKinney Vento – School Closures
$600M in Additional Funding Announced to Identify and Support Homeless Children & Youth
On July 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) made available a brief application for states to apply for $600 million specifically to support the school identification, enrollment, participation, and success of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
$800M in Funds Announced: Help is Here for Homeless Students
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced the availability of $800 million to support the identification, enrollment, participation, and success of children and youth experiencing homelessness, and to provide them with wrap-around services in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
House Passes Updated COVID-19 Relief Legislation
On Thursday, October 1st, the House passed a revised version of the HEROES Act, a $2.2 billion stimulus package responding to the coronavirus pandemic. While this legislation provides important resources, it falls short of the kind of assistance that is needed to meet the education, health, and housing-related needs of children and youth who experience homelessness.
Joint Statement of Education and Civil Rights Organizations on Equitable Education During COVID-19
Signed by over 50 organizations, this statement provides promising practices and recommendations to school administrators, teachers, parents, education and civil rights advocates, and policymakers who are working hard to educate and care for America’s students in this unprecedented time of crisis. It focuses on five important areas requiring attention to ensure student success: distance learning and digital access, delivery of school meals, instruction for students with disabilities, instruction for students experiencing homelessness, and combatting discrimination based on race and national origin, including for English learners.
Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund and Homeless Students
On April 14, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) published the application for $3 billion in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds. The amount each state will receive is available here.
Under the CARES Act, these flexible grants are for Governors to provide local educational agencies (LEAs), institutions of higher education (IHEs), and other education-related entities with emergency assistance to respond to the coronavirus. Each state has until June 1, 2020, to submit a signed certification and agreement (or application) to the Department.
Education Waivers Related to Homelessness and Other COVID-19 Federal Waivers
On April 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced several funding flexibilities to help states and local educational agencies (LEAs) respond to COVID-19 and school closures.
Emergency Financial Aid Grants through the CARES Act
On April 10, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced that it is making available over $6 billion to institutions of higher education for emergency financial aid grants, to be provided directly to students for expenses related to disruptions in education caused by COVID-19, including course materials and technology, food, housing, health care, and childcare. The guidance from ED does not instruct institutions on how to provide emergency financial aid to students, but does encourage leaders to prioritize those students with the greatest need.
Head Start Data Shows Drop in Overall Homeless Enrollment During Pandemic, But Steady Increase in Rate of Homeless Enrollment
Data released by the Office of Head Start show that while the overall number of children enrolled in Head Start decreased by 28% between the 2019 and 2021 school year, the number of children experiencing homelessness in Head Start decreased by 22%. At the same time, the percentage of Head Start children identified as experiencing homelessness increased from 5.7% of total enrollment in 2019 to 6.22% of total enrollment in 2021.
A Round Up of Recent Research on Child and Youth Homelessness (January-July 2021)
Over the past few months, many new reports on children and youth homelessness, education, and related issues have been released. We highlight key findings from twelve new reports.
Six Findings from Pre-Pandemic School Homelessness Data That Should Inform Reopening and Recovery
The National Center for Homeless Education (the U.S. Department of Education’s technical assistance center) recently released a three-year summary of school data on children and youth experiencing homelessness, including the 2018-2019 school year (the most recent school year for which it has compiled data). The data paint a picture of homelessness in our nation’s public schools in the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing important baseline data and findings that should inform our actions now, as schools move toward reopening and recovery. This new SchoolHouse Connection article describes six of the most salient findings, and their relevance to the pandemic response and recovery.
Since mid-March, SHC has gone live biweekly to share breaking news and updates on COVID-19 and homelessness, facilitate strategy-sharing, and answer questions based on existing law and guidance. We also conducted webinars on the stimulus payments and charter schools serving students experiencing homelessness, and highlighted college students navigating homelessness during this pandemic.
Archived Webinars
Congressional Briefing: Educating Homeless Children and Youth During COVID-19
Date Recorded: October 14, 2020
Hosted by: U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE)
Moderated by: SchoolHouse Connection
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, public schools identified 1.5 million homeless children and youth, preK-12, and the U.S. Department of Education estimated that another 1.4 million children under age six experienced homelessness.
The coronavirus outbreak has created barriers to their education and survival beyond the already grave effects of homelessness, while also threatening to dramatically increase the number of children and youth who experience homelessness. School building closures and distance learning have been particularly challenging for children and youth experiencing homelessness, who also are disproportionately students of color, students with disabilities, and English learners.
This Congressional briefing will feature a panel discussion among four local educational agency homeless liaisons charged under federal law with identifying children and youth experiencing homelessness, and ensuring their enrollment and support. Learn about the struggles and strategies of educators to identify and support these students and families, and their urgent needs – including funding for the McKinney-Vento Act’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth program and for community organizations in the Emergency Family Stabilization Act (H.R. 7950, S. 3923).
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What’s Happening on the Hill: Update on Child, Youth, and Family Homelessness
Date Recorded: October 6, 2020
What’s the status of Congressional action on bills relating to children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness? This webinar will provide an up-to-the-minute update on pending federal legislation, including COVID-19 relief legislation and FY2021 funding. We’ll also provide a brief primer on the most effective ways to educate and advocate with your Members of Congress, including virtual meetings with Congressional staff.
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Coronavirus, Charter Schools, and Students Experiencing Homelessness
Date Recorded: October 1, 2020
While the McKinney-Vento Act is in full effect this school year, some of the details of implementation must adapt to changes in education brought on by COVID-19. The rights to enroll in school immediately, attend the school of origin, receive transportation, access school meals, and participate in school activities can look very different in a distance learning or hybrid learning environment. This webinar will share practical strategies being used by charter schools to support students experiencing homelessness during the pandemic, as well as address legal questions around funding, meals, and school enrollment and attendance. Whether you are new to the issue of student homelessness or have been the liaison for years, bring your questions and help us figure out the answers. A joint offering from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and SchoolHouse Connection.
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College, COVID-19, and Homelessness: Building Partnerships
Date Recorded: September 30, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges and universities may be relying even more on community partners to provide support and resources to youth experiencing homelessness.
Participants in this webinar will:
- Hear from the Stand Up for Kids Orange County College Program to learn how they’re able to help youth in their community through a three-tiered support system: basic needs, relationship building, and housing.
- Identify the impact and importance of relationship building and mentorship for youth experiencing homelessness.
- Understand how to build partnerships between colleges and community partners.
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Preventing Evictions: What Educators Need to Know
Date Recorded: September 25, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis have put millions at risk of eviction, with disproportionate risks for families with children, especially families of color. Early childhood programs and public schools are uniquely positioned to inform and assist families to prevent eviction, thereby avoiding its harmful impact on child development, health, safety, and education. This webinar will:
- Provide a “nuts and bolts” overview of the CDC’s national eviction moratorium and how to use it to help families and youth
- Help educators know where to find up-to-date information on state and local eviction moratoria
- Provide practical strategies for when and how eviction can be prevented without an attorney, when an attorney is needed, and how to find attorneys.
- Share lessons from a school-based legal clinic
- Provide an overview of eviction and rent-related legislation under consideration by Congress
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Implementing the McKinney-Vento Act in the COVID-19 Era
While the McKinney-Vento Act is in full effect this school year, some of the details of implementation must adapt to changes in education brought on by COVID-19. What is the threshold for remaining in the school of origin in a distance learning environment? What are transportation requirements for a student crossing district lines to attend the school of origin, if one district is in-person but the other is virtual? How does distance learning affect the allowable uses of McKinney-Vento funds? This webinar will work through scenarios and legal brainteasers that will help you provide students experiencing homelessness with their full rights and services under the McKinney-Vento Act in the COVID-19 era.
Date Recorded: September 17, 2020
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Date Recorded: September 3, 2020
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Meeting Students’ Nutritional Needs This School Year
Date Recorded: September 2, 2020
Due to the impact of COVID-19, it is more important than ever to ensure students have access to the nutrition they need to thrive. Join this webinar to learn the latest on child nutrition, including flexibilities available to school districts and program providers for this school year; information about Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), and tools and resources available to districts and states to ensure program success.
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Back-to-School 2020: Challenges and Strategies for Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness
Returning to school this fall entails unprecedented challenges for identifying, enrolling, and serving students experiencing homelessness. Whether schools in your community are opening with in-person classes, full distance learning, or some combination, implementing the McKinney-Vento Act will require more creativity and collaboration than ever. Join us as we discuss challenges and strategies to identify, enroll, engage, and support students and families as we return to school in the midst of a pandemic.
Date Recorded: September 9, 2020
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Date Recorded: August 25, 2020
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Date Recorded: August 13, 2020
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Date Recorded: August 5, 2020
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Family and Youth Homelessness in the Wake of COVID-19: A Virtual Congressional Briefing Series In Collaboration with the Congressional Caucus
Co-Hosted by SchoolHouse Connection, National Network for Youth, Family Promise, and First Focus Campaign for Children
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, public schools and early childhood programs reported the highest number of children and youth experiencing homelessness on record. These numbers are expected to rise in the wake of the health and economic crises. Three unique briefings provide youth perspectives, parent perspectives, and provider perspectives on the current state of child, youth, and family homelessness, including the impact of COVID-19, long-standing racial disparities and equity challenges, gaps in current policies, and various legislative proposals, including the Emergency Family Stabilization Act and the Homeless Children and Youth Act.
Briefing #1: Youth Voices
Date Recorded: July 14, 2020
The briefing is a facilitated discussion with five young people about their experiences prior to and during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Briefing #2: Parent Voices
Date Recorded: July 16, 2020
The briefing is a facilitated discussion with four parents about their experiences prior to and during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Briefing #3: Provider Voices
Date Recorded: July 22, 2020
The briefing is a facilitated discussion with family and youth service providers about their experiences serving children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness during the coronavirus pandemic, and how the Emergency Family Stabilization Act would bring urgent relief through the systems and programs to which youth and families are most connected.
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Federal Policy Update on Child, Youth, and Family Homelessness
Date Recorded: July 1, 2020
In July, Congress will pick up the pace on the next coronavirus relief package, as well as FY2021 appropriations. Learn about what’s at stake for children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness, including the newly-introduced, innovative, and necessary bipartisan Emergency Family Stabilization Act, S. 3923, which provides flexible funding directly to community-based organizations. We’ll cover other COVID-19 legislation, including the HEROES Act, as well as FY2021 funding for the Education for Homeless Children and Youth program, the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act program, HUD homeless assistance programs, and other programs serving children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. Learn the latest and find out what you can do to help protect the futures of vulnerable youth and families.
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Virtual Conversation with SHC on COVID-19 #7: Questions, Strategies, Information
Date Recorded: May 21, 2020
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Access to Stimulus Payments for Young People
Date Recorded: May 20, 2020
This follow-up webinar dug deeper into how unaccompanied youth can access stimulus payments under the CARES Act, and what you can do to help. Tax attorneys from Baker McKenzie will present information on accessing the payments, roadblocks that exist currently, and how to best position youth to access current, and potential future, payments. Please submit your questions when you register for the webinar. We will have Q&A during the webinar, but questions submitted ahead of time will be given priority.
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Virtual Conversation with SHC and Friends on COVID-19 #6: Questions, Strategies, Information
Date Recorded: May 7, 2020
During this COVID-19 conversation, we welcomed Ed Hinde, Executive Director of Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP) of Frederick County, MD, and Ashley Bennett, Lead Counselor for SHIP’s New Horizons Program. SHIP is partnering closely with Frederick County Public Schools and McKinney-Vento students during the COVID-19 outbreak, with an emphasis on outreach, basic needs, mental health, and continuity of learning. Ed and Ashley also will discuss community housing efforts, including their host home network for unaccompanied high school youth.
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Our Names are Destiny, Lorinda, and Jose: Navigating Homelessness During COVID-19
Date Recorded: April 30, 2020
- Hear the perspectives of three SHC Youth Leadership & Scholarship students who are navigating college during the coronavirus pandemic
- Learn what higher education practitioners, service providers, and others can do to better support students experiencing homelessness during this time
- Have the opportunity to ask questions to our youth panel about their experiences and their insights
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Access to Stimulus Payments for Young People
Date Recorded: April 29, 2020
Join us to learn more about how these stimulus payments under the CARES Act can be accessed by young people. We will be joined by Tax attorneys from Baker McKenzie who will present information on accessing the payments as well as possible roadblocks that exist currently. There will be time for a Q&A following the presentation. Please join us to learn more.
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Charter Schools Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness during the COVID-19 Crisis
Date Recorded: April 24, 2020
In these times of crisis, students experiencing homelessness are even more vulnerable than under “normal” circumstances. Join SchoolHouse Connection and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools for a conversation on how charter schools can meet the needs of students experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. During the webinar, you will learn about legal requirements as well as best practices in serving students experiencing homelessness.
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Virtual Conversation with SHC on COVID-19 #5: Questions, Strategies, Information
Date Recorded: April 23, 2020
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Virtual Conversation with SHC on COVID-19 #4: Questions, Strategies, Information
Date Recorded: April 9, 2020
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Virtual Conversation with SHC on COVID-19 #3: Questions, Strategies, Information
Date Recorded: April 2, 2020
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Federal Policy Update: Coronavirus Funding and Policy on Child and Youth Homelessness
Date Recorded: April 1, 2020
Congress has enacted several packages of sweeping legislation and funding to help communities respond to the coronavirus outbreak. Learn about the latest developments, get your questions answered, and find out what you can do to shape implementation and help direct resources for children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness.
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Virtual Conversation with SHC on COVID-19 #2: Questions, Strategies, Information
Date recorded: March 25, 2020
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Virtual Conversation with SHC on COVID-19 #1: Questions, Strategies, Information
Date recorded: March 19, 2020
Parenting Through Homelessness and COVID-19: The Unfiltered Truth
On July 16, 2020, we connected with four mothers from New Jersey, Louisiana, Ohio, and Louisiana to share their unique parental perspectives. Through this discussion, we learned about some of the challenges facing parents and their children who are navigating homelessness during the COVID-19 era; the assistance they have found thus far, and the support they still need, but have not yet received.
Homelessness and the Pandemic: Five Youth Share Insights
In July, we connected virtually with five youth for a Congressional briefing on homelessness and COVID-19. We listened as they reflected on their childhood experiences of homelessness, the role of school and educators, and the challenges they faced navigating college and homelessness in the wake of COVID-19.
In this blog post, we transcribe the highlights of the hearing and share video clips.
From the Field: Challenges & Strategies Supporting Children, Youth, and Families
Across the nation, school district homeless liaisons and early childhood programs are facing enormous and unprecedented challenges serving children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. Yet liaisons also are coming up with creative strategies, drawing on community support, and forging ahead to meet constantly changing needs. In this video series, we sit down with liaisons and other providers from across the nation to share their experiences and tips as they face the new school year.
Our Names are Destiny, Lorinda, and Jose: Navigating Homelessness During COVID-19
On April 30th, SchoolHouse Connection hosted a webinar featuring three young leaders from our Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program who are navigating higher education during the coronavirus pandemic. During the webinar, the students shared their experiences, challenges, and advice for other students, higher education professionals, and service providers. This blog post has been repurposed from the webinar.
Supporting Our Students Amidst the Unknown: Evolving Lessons During COVID-19
“As a college student, I experienced a devastating hurricane, where most of the town I lived in was flooded. I remember this experience as being scary, filled with loss, and ultimately extremely traumatic — especially on top of the trauma of my own homelessness. As I navigate my current professional role supporting students who are homeless during the Coronavirus outbreak, I have been reflecting on my experiences as a student…”