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Homeless Children & Youth
Schools offer stability and safety. When schools close, or move to online learning, the health, safety, and well-being of a vast number of children and youth are jeopardized. Especially vulnerable are those children and youth experiencing living in shelters, including those who are staying in “hidden” homeless situations. These families and youth are unlikely to benefit from services, initiatives, or educational programming predicated on a stable and safe home environment or consistent internet access. This page offers homeless coordinators, district liaisons, and families resources to help meet the needs of displaced children and youth as we respond to this global crisis.
Additionally, the mental health stressors, for children, families, and professionals, are very similar. These stressors are exasperated when basic needs and supports are uncertain or non-existent. The Department has assembled strategies and resources for educators and parents to support the emotional well-being of children during this time.
Resources
Supporting Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Questions to Consider
On Wednesday, March 25, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness convened federal leaders from the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control in a Zoom call specifically for homeless education professionals on COVID-19. The federal agencies provided the latest information on COVID-19 as of the date of the recording. Here is the link to the recording.
U.S. Department of Education (US ED): COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
This US ED webpage provides updated resources for elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education, to help inform their coronavirus response efforts.
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Displaced Families Cope With the Coronavirus
This factsheet, available through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network will help displaced parents think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect their family— both physically and emotionally—and what they can do to help their family cope. Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared can reduce stress and help calm likely anxieties. Download the Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019. (available in English, Chinese, and Spanish)
Policy Updates for Students Experiencing Homelessness
Current Congressional Action on COVID-19 and Homelessness
What School District Administrators Should Know About the Educational Rights of Children Displaced by Disasters
This brief addresses how the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act applies to students displaced by disaster and how the Act can assist these students and their families.