Child Youth and Family Homelessness A National Perspective

Child, Youth, and Family Homelessness: A National Perspective COTS Annual Meeting and Volunteer Breakfast \ Friday, October 25, 2019 www. schoolhouseconnection. org | @School. House. Conn

About School. House Connection works to overcome homelessness through education. We provide strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with schools, early childhood programs, institutions of higher education, service providers, families, and youth. ● Website: http: //www. schoolhouseconnection. org ● Newsletter: https: //www. schoolhouseconnection. org/sign-up/ ● Federal and state policy advocacy ● Q&A from our inbox ● Webinars and implementation tools ● Youth leadership and scholarships 2

Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.

Since the late 1990 s, federal homelessness policy has been focused on the most visible forms of homelessness.

March 13, 2002

Targeting of HUD homeless funds in late 1990 s The top priority of Obama’s 2010 federal plan 2004 Late 1990 s “Ending Homelessness Act of 2019” $13 billion largely prioritizing unsheltered/chronically homeless 2018 2010 “Chronic Homelessness” initiative in 2004 2019 “Unsheltered homeless individuals” is a top priority in 2018 federal plan

October 3, 2019

But what does it mean to effectively “end” homelessness? ● “Functional Zero: ” “when the number of individuals experiencing a housing crisis is equal to or fewer than the number of permanent housing units available to them. ” ● “Effectively End: ” “when the number of homeless people within a community is less than the average number of people being connected with permanent housing each month. ” ● USICH: “An end to homelessness means that every community will have a comprehensive response in place that ensures homelessness is prevented whenever possible, or if it can’t be prevented, it is a rare, brief, and onetime experience. ”

Is Homelessness Increasing or Decreasing?

“Family homelessness is declining, and it is declining despite very difficult housing markets. ” National Alliance to End Homelessness, October 14, 2019

The View from Public Schools: Education Data Compared to HUD Data

A Matter of Definitions

A Matter of Vulnerability: Are Children in Motels or Staying with Others Less Vulnerable than Shelters/Unsheltered? Student Homelessness: Lessons from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Source: http: //bit. ly/SHC-YRBS

A Child Development Lens on Vulnerability ● ● ● Birth to Five is a time of unparalleled growth! During early childhood, the brain strengthens the connections that are being used, while pruning away those that are unengaged. The most critical developmental skills learned at this early age are social emotional skills.

Toxic Stress

Infographic by Perry Firth

And Yet. . .

Top Three Risk Factors for Youth Homelessness Source: Chapin Hall, Voices of Youth Count

New Youth Experience Homelessness for the First Time Every Day

*Note: The 4 -year ACGR for homeless students ranged between 45% to 88%.

Child/Family Homelessness Youth and Young Adult Homelessness

Education Offers the Surest Path Out of Homelessness, Today and for Generations to Come Children in quality preschool programs are more likely to graduate from high school and own homes. 99% of the jobs created since the Great Recession have gone to workers with at least some postsecondary education. High school and college graduation are to linked to other important indicators of health and wellbeing.

Students Experiencing Homelessness Can and Do Succeed

Changing the Conversation

The Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2019 H. R. 2001 (HCYA) Sponsored by: ● U. S. Representatives Steve Stivers (ROH) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA) in the House of Representatives Corrects long-standing flaws in U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) homeless assistance for children, youth, and families. ● ● ● Aligns federal definitions of homelessness by amending HUD’s definition so that children and youth identified by one of eight federal programs (including Mc. Kinney-Vento liaisons) would be eligible for HUD homeless assistance. Requires HUD to honor local community priorities and needs. Improves data on homelessness. www. schoolhouseconnection. org | @School. House. Conn

Engage Policymakers: 1. 2. 3. Support the Homeless Children and Youth Act Identify and advocate for broader solutions across policy arenas Support programs and approaches that prioritize REAL prevention www. schoolhouseconnection. org | @School. House. Conn

Contact Information: Questions? Barbara Duffield, barbara@schoolhouseconnection. org

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