What the Debt Ceiling Legislation Means for Child, Youth, and Family Homelessness
Legislation to suspend the debt ceiling for the next two years is expected to be passed this week. The legislation allows the nation to continue to borrow, and avoids the catastrophic consequences of a default.
While this legislation has far-reaching implications across federal programs, below is a summary of some of the provisions with the greatest potential impact on child, youth, and family homelessness, and recommendations for action.
- Spending Caps on Federal Non-Defense Programs
- Work Requirements for Food Assistance and Emergency Aid for Families
- Rescissions in Some American Rescue Plan Act Funds
[Webinar] ARP-HCY Office Hours with ED
Monday, June 5 · 2-3 pm Eastern
In the wake of the pandemic, a nationwide housing shortage, persistent chronic absence, and alarming child and youth mental health crises, students and schools face unprecedented challenges – including increasing homelessness.
American Rescue Plan — Homeless Children and Youth, or ARP-HCY funds, are one-time funds that can help meet these challenges. ARP-HCY funds are designated to support the identification, enrollment, and school participation of children and youth experiencing homelessness, including through wrap-around services. These funds must be obligated by September 30, 2024 and spent by January 31, 2025.
SchoolHouse Connection is hosting a monthly “ARP-HCY Office Hours” session featuring presenters from the U.S. Department of Education to provide strategies for meeting urgent needs, including allowable and strategic uses of funds, and examples and tools from state and local educational agencies.
SAVE THE DATE FOR FUTURE ARP-HCY OFFICE HOURS WITH ED:
- July: Monday, 7/10, 3PM Eastern [Register Now]
- August: Monday, 8/14, 2PM Eastern [Register Now]
- September: Tuesday, 9/12, 3PM Eastern [Register Now]
[Webinar] Homeless Youth at Risk: Lessons from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Wednesday, June 21 · 2-3 pm Eastern
Every two years, the Centers for Disease Control administers the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), monitors health-related behaviors among students in grades 9–12 enrolled in U.S. public and private schools. Data from the 2021 survey administration was recently released and found that, compared with students who were stably housed, students experiencing homelessness were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, substance use, and suicide ideation and attempts, and to experience violence. These findings highlight the urgent need to proactively identify students experiencing homelessness; ensure their access and stability in school as required by federal law; and closely examine and revise school-based health and mental health efforts to ensure that students experiencing homelessness are prioritized and can access support. Join SchoolHouse Connection to learn more about these findings and how you can take action to improve experiences and outcomes for students experiencing homelessness.
Presenters:
- Jennifer Smith-Grant – Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Centers for Disease Control
- Barbara Duffield – Executive Director, SchoolHouse Connection