SAMPLE LETTER ON FY2019 HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH FUNDING

PREPARE ON ORGANIZATION LETTERHEAD IF POSSIBLE

EDIT AND PERSONALIZE WITH LOCAL AND/OR STATE INFORMATION

The Honorable [First Name] [Last Name] ORThe Honorable [First Name] [Last Name]

U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate

Washington DC 20515 Washington DC 20510

Dear Representative [Last Name] OR Dear Senator [Last Name]:

I am writing to urge you to support $100 million for the McKinney-Vento Act’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program, and $165 million for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) program, in the FY2019budget.

A November 2017 ground-breaking report from the University of Chicago found that 4.2 million young people experienced homelessness in America over a 12-month period. This means that 1 in 10 young adults aged 18-25, and at least 1 in 30 adolescents aged 13-17, experienced some form of homelessness unaccompanied by a parent or guardian over the course of a year. Importantly, it also revealed that homelessness is just as much of a challenge in rural communities as it is in urban communities.

This study also found that lack of a high school degree or GED is the top risk factor for youth and young adult homelessness; indeed, youth without a high schooldegree or GEDare 4.5 times more likely to experience homelessness than peers who completed high school. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education reported that during the 2015-2016 school year, public schools identified 1.3 million homeless children and youth; a 3 percent increase over the previous year and a 7 percent increase over four years. Thirty-four states reported increases in their homeless student populations between 2013 and 2015, with fifteen states experiencing more than ten percent growth during this same period and eight states experiencing more than twenty percent growth.

[INSERT LOCAL AND/OR STATE STATISTICS HERE.]

Addressing the needs of homeless children and youth is a critical investment in our children’s future. Homeless children and youth are at high risk for developing physical, behavioral, and emotional problems. Without assistance, homeless youth often end up in the justice system, and don’t have the means to get effective help. They are also vulnerable to becoming victims of sex and labor trafficking, which is becoming a larger threat to runaway and homeless youth.

The Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program removes barriers to the enrollment, attendance, and success of homeless children and youth in school. School districts use these funds for outreach and identification, enrollment assistance, transportation assistance, immunization referrals, counseling, professional development for educators, and referrals for community services targeted to homeless students. In addition, LEAs leverage these funds to obtain grants and in-kind support from faith-based organizations, local foundations, and other community sources. These inter-agency activities and public-private initiatives, which are facilitated by EHCY grants, lead to higher graduation rates for students experiencing homelessness, and therefore assist schools in meeting their goals.[IF POSSIBLE/APPROPRIATE, ADD LOCAL AND/OR STATE PROGRAM ACTIVITES HERE.]

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) program serves homeless youth by meeting their immediate needs, providing long-term residential services, and conducting prevention and outreach efforts to move youth out of homelessness. These programs prevent, identify and serve homeless, trafficked, and pregnant and parenting youth through outreach, emergency shelter, family reunification work when safe, connection to education, employment and health care, transitional housing, and independent housing options.

Despite large increases in child and youth homelessness, funding remains far from meeting the need for EHCY and RHYA programs. Congress appropriated $85 million for EHCY and $127 million for RHYA in FY2018. Currently, less than one in four school districts receive direct support through the EHCY program. A GAO Report (GAO-14-465) found that school districts struggle to identify and serve homeless students due to lack of capacity.

[ADD STATEMENT/DESCRIPTION OF LOCAL AND/OR STATE UNMET NEED HERE.]

The recently enacted Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) made numerous amendments to the EHCY program, including new requirements for appropriate capacity for state and local personnel, better identification of homeless children and youth, enhanced school stability, and special protections for preschool children and unaccompanied homeless youth. In order to respond to the increase in homelessness and fulfill the mandates of the ESSA amendments, the full appropriation of $100 million in FY2019 is necessary.

The RHYA program was determined to need $165 million in the 2008 authorization. It should be funded at this level for FY2019. The RHYA programs are effective in addressing youth homelessness. Through the excellent work of local street outreach, shelter, and transitional living programs, RHYA has helped homeless youth receive the education, employment, personal savings and family preservation services they need.

Without specific, targeted assistance, homeless children and youth are unlikely to benefit from any investment in education. Without an education, these children and youth are unlikely to obtain the skills they need to avoid poverty and homelessness as adults. Without emergency and transitional housing and crisis intervention, they are at even greater risk for trafficking and other life-threatening conditions.

Please consider these investments in the only two federal programs specifically dedicated to identifying and serving homeless children and youth.

Thank you for leadership on behalf of all of [your city or state’s] homeless children, youth, and families. I look forward to your response.

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