From the People’s Emergency Center (http://www.pec-cares.org):
A newly released report shows that homelessness among children and youth is increasing dramatically in Pennsylvania while rising unevenly in other states during School Year (SY) 2018-19.
PEC reviewed the report from the National Center for Homeless Education called Federal Data Summary School Years 2017 – 2019, and summarized key data points for the convenience of educators, advocates, policy makers, and housing and youth program staff.
Find the original report here: https://bit.ly/3tYXjBz
NOTE: Data reported is only on those children enrolled in a school that reported data. This does not include data reported by the homeless housing system. Readers are encouraged to read the original paper for definitions and methodology.
Highlights
- The number of homeless students decreased throughout the United States over the three-year period from SY 2017 to SY 2019, while the number of homeless students increased in Pennsylvania.
- Pennsylvania tied for first among states in experiencing the highest rate of increased number of homeless students over the three years at 27%.
- The number of children ages 3-5 increased seven percent over the three years.
- Pennsylvania reported the twelfth highest total of the number of homeless students.
- Homeless students, including Pennsylvania’s, scored lower than economically disadvantaged students on statewide assessments by approximately eight to nine percentage points.
- Many homeless students are living doubled up (with other students, or friends due to homelessness) and are not in shelter.
Why is this Important?
Congress allocated a record high of $800 million for the Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program, far surpassing the FY 2018 allocation of $83 million. EHCY seeks to remove educational barriers and improve educational opportunities and outcomes for children and youth experiencing homelessness. States and School Districts can use this data to make informed decisions.
Read the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement at Education Department Announces State Allocations of $800 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness | U.S. Department of Education (DOE).
The U.S. DOE included in its announcement that states should “…use this funding to identify homeless children and youth, provide wraparound services in light of the impact
of the COVID-19 pandemic, and provide assistance to enable homeless children and youth to attend school and participate fully in school activities, including in-person instruction this spring and upcoming summer learning and enrichment programs.”
Pennsylvania will receive $32 million over the next few years, and recently received $8 million, double its 2018 allocation. To date, the PA Department of Education has not issued guidelines on how the funds will be spent.
Questions? Email PEC Policy Department.
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