News and Updates
Launching a Program for Food and Housing Insecure College Students: A Step-by-Step Approach
Written by John C.S. Kepner, advisor to the College Student Basic Needs Program and Trustee Board Member of Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU) in suburban Philadelphia. In this blog, John describes his journey of putting together a coalition of community-based organizations to address the problem of food and housing insecurity in GMercyU.
read more
Congress Passes Fiscal Year 2022 Spending Package: FAFSA Fixes for Homeless and Foster Youth Will Go Into Effect on Time
On March 10, 2022, Congress passed a legislative package including over $1.5 trillion for the final fiscal year 2022 (FY22) budget. Overall, the bill provides modest increases for education, early care, homeless, and housing programs. See the summary here.
read more
Act by April 22 to Support $800M for Homeless Children & Youth
Please urge your U.S. Representative today to sign on to the Yarmuth-Bacon-Davis letter in support of funding for children and youth experiencing homelessness. The more U.S. Representatives who sign on to the letter, the greater the show of support for enacting these critical funding levels in the FY23 budget.
read more
The FAFSA Simplification Act: Youth Experiencing Homelessness and Youth with Experience in Foster Care
The FAFSA Simplification Act (enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and updated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022) aims to remove many of the barriers faced by youth experiencing homelessness or with experience in foster care. The new provisions for homeless and foster youth should go into effect for the 2023-2024 award year, and be reflected on the new FAFSA on October 1, 2022. Here's a summary of the changes.
read more
How to File Your Taxes for Free and Maximize your Refund
There is a lot of money that young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 are eligible for this tax year but you need to file your taxes to get this money $$$$$. Learn how to file your taxes for free and maximize your refund!
read more
I experienced homelessness. Lawmakers, help young Floridians like me find independence
This story originally appeared on the Miami Herald. Roxana Rodriguez-Monzon is a student at Florida International University studying public policy and service, a legislative aid with SchoolHouse Connection and a student temporary employee with non-profit Miami Homes for All.
read more
Working in Consortia to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness with ARP-HCY Funds
Local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive less than $5,000 for their American Rescue Plan-Homeless Children and Youth II allocation may form a consortium with other LEAs. State Coordinators, LEAs, and regional agencies all have a role to play in strategically forming consortia and ensuring that funds are targeted to meet the needs of students experiencing homelessness. While the idea of forming a consortium may seem like a daunting task, this checklist will support your work to form, lead, and implement a consortium grant.
read more
Allowable and Strategic Uses of American Rescue Plan – Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) Funds
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.
read more
Tax Credits
This tax season, qualifying youth experiencing homelessness and youth from foster care are eligible for up to $1,502 in a tax refund through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The Center on Law and Social Policy, First Focus, John Burton Advocates for Youth, SchoolHouse Connection, and Youth Law Center have partnered on a FAQ that provides basic information for young adults with experience in foster care or homelessness about the benefits of filing federal taxes.
read more
Why Florida’s Legislators Should Vote for HB 1577 / SB 1708 — Rebecca’s Testimony
SHC is working with Florida’s Children First, Florida Youth SHINE, and many other young people, educators, and advocates on two bills to help unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness get driver licenses and car insurance, persist in postsecondary education, and access medical care. Read SHC Scholar Rebecca’s testimony about how educators helped her, and how bills before the state legislature could make a difference for other youth experiencing homelessness in Florida.
read more