With the passing of AB 132, California has launched efforts to establish Basic Needs Centers across its community college campuses by June of 2022. Incorporating trauma informed principles into basic needs work is a critical part of helping students feel heard and supported while maintaining essential human dignity and cultural connections. The first part of the webinar features practical strategies on how to integrate a trauma informed approach to food security, as applied by Leah’s Pantry, a leading voice for trauma-informed nutrition education. This portion of the webinar also features brief presentations by Mt. San Antonio College and San Diego City College practitioners that speak to how each campus has integrated trauma informed principles into their basic needs framework.
‘SchoolHouse in Session’: A Hub of Stories on Youth Homelessness
This is hub of stories and expertise around youth homelessness written on Medium – a blogging platform – addressing solutions around children, youth, and family homelessness.
‘SchoolHouse in Session’ is a project of SchoolHouse Connection, a national non-profit organization working to overcome homelessness through education. We provide strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with early childhood programs, schools, institutions of higher education, service providers, families, and youth.
Data on Youth Homelessness in California
This data dashboard provides insights on youth experiencing homelessness in California. It includes data about students, families, and beds dedicated to youth experiencing homelessness.
How to Use American Rescue Plan Act K-12 Education Funds to Identify and Support Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), Congress’ most recent package for COVID-19 relief provides nearly $123 billion in aid for K-12 education through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), including several reservations to support students experiencing homelessness and other marginalized student groups. In addition to the $123 billion in ESSER funds, ARP includes $800 million in funding specifically dedicated to support the identification, enrollment, and school participation of children and youth experiencing homelessness, including through wrap-around services. A summary of the timing, allocation, and uses of these funds is here.
