ERIC Number: ED671377
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Feb
Pages: 33
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Overlooked and Almost out of Time: Pandemic-Era Funds for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
SchoolHouse Connection
At a time of increasing and unprecedented homelessness--with more children and youth living without safe, stable housing than during the pandemic--schools are running out of time to use federal pandemic-era funds dedicated to helping homeless students. While the pandemic is officially over, the crisis of homelessness is unabated and growing. Without urgent action at all levels, an extraordinary opportunity to help some of our nation's most vulnerable students will be missed, prolonging and exacerbating broader educational challenges for schools and students. This report presents key findings from a national survey of school district homeless liaisons about the impact of and challenges using American Rescue Plan--Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) funds. Key findings include: (1) Child and youth homelessness has increased since the pandemic, creating a greater need for targeted support for students experiencing homelessness; (2) ARP-HCY funds have proven to be impactful in schools across the nation; and (3) Despite these positive impacts, a number of challenges are preventing ARP-HCY funds from helping vulnerable students at a time of heightened need. Recommendations are provided to Congress, the U.S. Department of Education, State Education Agency Leaders, Local Educational Agency Leaders, and State Legislatures to ensure that these funds are used effectively now and sustained into the future.
Descriptors: Pandemics, COVID-19, Homeless People, Federal Aid, Emergency Programs, National Surveys, School Districts, Barriers, Futures (of Society), Access to Education, Elementary Secondary Education, State Legislation, Federal Legislation, State Departments of Education, Academic Support Services
SchoolHouse Connection. 4401A Connecticut Avenue NW #145, Washington, DC 20008. Tel: 202-364-7392; e-mail: info@schoolhouseconnection.org; Web site: https://schoolhouseconnection.org/
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: Policymakers; Administrators
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: SchoolHouse Connection
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: American Rescue Plan Act 2021
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A