Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness with American Rescue Plan Funds

In the wake of the pandemic—and in the midst of the current housing, addiction, and student mental health crises—schools and communities face unprecedented challenges. While often hidden, homelessness among children and youth is a significant factor contributing to declines in school enrollment, increases in chronic absence, and deepening student mental health struggles.

American Rescue Plan–Homeless Children and Youth (ARP–HCY) funds are one-time funds that can help meet this moment. ARP–HCY funds are uniquely flexible funds to support the identification, enrollment, and school participation of children and youth experiencing homelessness, including through wrap-around services. They must be obligated by September 30, 2024 and spent by January 31, 2025.

Join SchoolHouse Connection and the Learning Policy Institute to learn about key findings from a study that examined the federal and state education funding for students experiencing homelessness, and hear how school district liaisons and administrators are using these one-time funds to improve outcomes for students experiencing homelessness, including by addressing chronic absenteeism, mental health, and other urgent needs.

Presenters: 

• Barbara Duffield – Executive Director, SchoolHouse Connection
• Erin Patterson – Director of Education Initiatives, SchoolHouse Connection
• Daniel Espinoza – Researcher and Policy Advisor, Learning Policy Institute 
• Jessica Tremble – Supervisor of Counseling & Student Services K-8, Clifton Public Schools (NJ)
• Quentina Brown, RSW – Homeless Liaison/Foster Care (POC)/Neglected & Delinquent Coordinator, Lafourche Parish School Board

   

Tuesday, September 26 · 2-3:15 pm Eastern

Homelessness in Higher Ed: Creative Housing Solutions

In August 2023, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) at the U.S. Department of Education released the federal government’s first ever report on college student basic needs insecurity. It showed that 8%—or 1.4 million—undergraduate students reported experiencing homelessness in the previous 30 days. Previous research from the Hope Center found that 14% of students experienced homelessness in the prior year. In this webinar, we’ll hear about creative solutions to support these students. Join us to hear from two organizations operating housing programs in New York City and communities throughout Southeast Los Angeles County that serve students experiencing homelessness. Participants will learn more about these programs, strategies to replicate, and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Presenters: 

• Jillian Sitjar – Director of Higher Education Partnerships, SchoolHouse Connection

• Ann Shalof – Chief Executive Officer, Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter

• Mary Jacobs – Program Director, Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter

• Eric Hubbard – Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships, Jovenes

Thursday, October 5 · 1-2:15 pm Eastern

School as Shelter: The Stay Over Program’s Innovative Approach to Sheltering Homeless Students

Using a school gym to temporarily house families experiencing homelessness is a new model for San Francisco and the country. The Stay Over Program (SOP) is a 12 hour emergency shelter, with a maximum occupancy of 69-bed occupancy, serving K-12 students enrolled in the participating school district, as well as parents, caregivers, and direct relatives. Unlike many emergency shelters, where prospective guests line up and wait outdoors with uncertainty of gaining access to a safe space for the night, the SOP utilizes school enrollment verification to eliminate those barriers. In this webinar, learn how Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 Community School, Dolores Street Community Services, San Francisco Unified School District, and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing collaborated to create the program, how they overcame challenges, and the benefits for students, families, schools, and communities.

Presenters: 

• Barbara Duffield – Executive Director, SchoolHouse Connection

• Erin Patterson – Director of Education Initiatives, SchoolHouse Connection

• Nick Chandler – Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 School Social Worker, San Francisco Unified School District

• Claudia DeLarios Moran – Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 School Principal, San Francisco Unified School District

• Anabel Ibanez – Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 School Parent Liaison, San Francisco Unified School District

• Jazzman Parks Cardona – Director of Strategic Projects, Dolores Street Community Services

• Jacqueline Portillo – Director of Community Services, Dolores Street Community Services

Wednesday, Oct. 18 · 2 pm Eastern/11 am Pacific

Strategies to Support Smooth Transitions to Higher Education Webinar

The transition from high school to higher education can be daunting, especially for youth experiencing homelessness or with experience in foster care. These students may have developed strong relationships with high school staff, including liaisons, counselors, or teachers, but aren’t connected with anyone on the postsecondary side. This webinar will highlight Georgia’s EMBARK program and Kennesaw State University and participants will learn strategies for how K12 and higher education partners can support active recruitment of homeless and foster youth, and help ease the transition. Specific topics include how K12 systems can support college transition with ARP ESSER and ARP-HCY funds, as well as how to build partnerships, summer bridge programs, and campus support programs.

Presenters: 

• Marcy Stidum, LCSW, MPA – Assistant Vice President, Student Wellbeing, Kennesaw State University

• David Meyers, M.S.W. – Senior Public Service Associate – Youth and Family Development, University of Georgia

• Lori Tiller, Ph.D. – Public Service Associate – Nonprofit and Youth Leadership Development, University of Georgia

• Jillian Sitjar – Director of Higher Education Partnerships, SchoolHouse Connection

Friday, October 20 · 1-2:15 pm Eastern