Challenges in Providing Support Services for Homeless Students
As schools across California navigate the end of federal funding for students experiencing homelessness, the focus has shifted to sustaining the programs implemented during the pandemic. With significant levels of state funding allocated towards addressing homelessness, there are still challenges in providing support services to homeless students. Barbara Duffield, executive director of the youth homelessness nonprofit SchoolHouse Connection, highlights the lack of attention from state policymakers towards the crisis of student homelessness. While there are streams of funding available, not all students experiencing homelessness are eligible due to varying definitions of homelessness.
Eligibility Criteria for Homeless Students
One of the main reasons why homeless students are not always eligible for certain streams of funding is the discrepancy in how homelessness is defined. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law aimed at supporting students experiencing homelessness, defines homelessness as including children and youths who are sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing or economic hardship. This definition, often referred to as being “doubled-up,” encompasses the majority of homeless youth in California and nationwide. However, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition of homelessness does not include individuals living in doubled-up environments, creating a gap in eligibility for certain funding sources.
Available Funding Streams for Homeless Students
While there are several streams of funding available for students experiencing homelessness, they may be limited in amounts or not specifically designated for this population. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act’s Education for Homeless Children And Youth grant provides steady funding, but it may not reach all schools enrolling homeless students. California’s Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention program sets aside funds for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness, broadening eligibility to include students living in doubled-up situations. However, this funding is restricted to individuals aged 12 to 24.
In Butte County, the homeless liaison, Meagan Meloy, secured funding through the HHAP program to pilot a program that provides case management to homeless families through the region’s schools. While this funding is a step in the right direction, it is not a comprehensive solution to the issue of student homelessness. Schools are required to allocate funds from the state’s education funding formula to support high-needs students, including homeless students, but the funding may not adequately cover the services needed.
Challenges in Securing Funding for Homeless Students
The nature of funding for homeless students can be complex and time-consuming for liaisons, who often have to piece together various grants and funding streams to cover services. This process, known as “braiding,” requires significant administrative work and may not always result in a seamless integration of funds. Additionally, the limited time liaisons can dedicate to identifying homeless students further complicates the funding model, as they are often responsible for a wide range of duties beyond supporting homeless students.
Despite the challenges in securing dedicated funding for homeless students, liaisons express the importance of preventive strategies to address student homelessness. With the ongoing impact of disasters like wildfires and the need for better transportation options for homeless students, dedicated funding could help provide more comprehensive support services to this vulnerable population. Jennifer Kottke in Los Angeles County emphasizes the importance of preventionary measures to address student homelessness proactively.
In conclusion, while there are funding streams available to support homeless students, the eligibility criteria and limitations of these funds present challenges for schools and liaisons tasked with providing services. Dedicated funding for homeless students could help address the gaps in support services and ensure that all students experiencing homelessness receive the assistance they need to succeed in school.
