Federal Funding Threatened: Here's How Homeless Liaisons Fought Back

In Part 2 of my @schoolutionspodcast conversation, Erin Patterson from SchoolHouse Connection returns to detail legislative wins for families experiencing homelessness, showcasing how advocacy works amid federal budget cuts. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How $129 million in homeless education funding was zeroed out in the President's FY26 budget, and how SchoolHouse Connection got it restored through nonpartisan grassroots advocacy
• What the McKinney-Vento Act actually guarantees for homeless students
• The Homeless Children and Youth Act: the signature legislation that would align federal definitions so families in motels and doubled-up housing finally qualify for housing assistance
• How the Thrive from the Start Coalition is mobilizing state-level action on infant and toddler homelessness, and why 48 states applied for just 10 grants

Mentions:
➡️Barbara Duffield
➡️Thomas J. Lucas (TJ)
➡️Thrive from the Start Coalition
➡️Advocacy Page
➡️Federal Policy Tracker
➡️Homeless Children and Youth Data Map
➡️McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
➡️Every Student Succeeds Act
➡️Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program
➡️Homeless Children and Youth Act 
➡️Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 
➡️Resources for Homeless Education Liaisons

🎧 Watch Part I! Erin paints the full picture of what hidden homelessness looks like for children across America.

CHAPTERS 

0:00 When the Budget Shows a Zero 

1:45 FY26 Budget & Homeless Education 

6:00 $129 Million Restored 

7:30 McKinney-Vento Explained 

10:00 Undocumented & Homeless 

11:45 Dedicated Funding vs. Block Grants 

13:00 Thrive from the Start 

15:15 Homeless Children & Youth Act 

16:30 How to Get Involved 

Next Week:  Dr. Kris Nystrom left retirement to tackle the world's lowest literacy rates in sub-Saharan Africa, one community at a time. This one will change how you see what's at stake when a child can't read. 

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.

Transcript

Olivia: [00:00:00] What happens when a zero appears in the federal budget next to the only dedicated funding for homeless students in America? Well, what happened next is a masterclass in why advocacy works and why it has to. Erin Patterson of SchoolHouse Connection is back for part two to walk us through the Congressional wins, the legislation that could rewrite the rules for homeless families, and the coalition of states stepping up when the federal government pulls back. Here is my Part two conversation with Erin Patterson.

This is Schoolutions, the podcast that extends education beyond the classroom. A show that isn't just theory, but practical try-it-tomorrow approaches for educators and caregivers to ensure every student finds their spark and receives the support they need to thrive. 

Welcome [00:01:00] back listeners to part two of my conversation with Erin Patterson. I am so honored to be highlighting the incredible work that SchoolHouse Connection is doing with Congressional wins. Erin is going to outline those for us. Um, if you have not listened to part one of our conversation, pause this episode, go back and listen to part one and then join us where you left off.

Erin, welcome back. 

Erin: Thank you. 

Olivia: Part one you shared a lot about, uh, what homelessness looks and feels like in the nation right now. You shared about your journey from being a government and economics teacher into leaving the classroom to do more advocacy work and change policy, which is so inspiring. Let's talk policy then, let's jump right into it. There was, there have been so many congressional wins that SchoolHouse Connection has made happen. Would you start by explaining the president's fiscal year 26 budget and [00:02:00] kind of outline that for listeners to start? 

Erin: Absolutely. Um, so I think the first thing to say is that this process is the same every fiscal year. Um, the president puts forth their, um, ideal budget, and then there's a lot of conversation, advocacy and negotiation that goes on in Congress to pass a, a budget. I was about to say a balanced budget, but let's not…

Olivia: Let's not…

Erin: Um, so in the President's 26 budget, um, I think this stems from this administration's priority, which they have vocalized of, um, moving education back to the states, quote unquote. And so part of that means that they want to push for less funding at the federal level for education programs and initiatives. And we saw that, um, certainly come through in the president's budget request. He, uh, zeroed out, uh, funding for, uh, the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, which is the [00:03:00] Homeless Education funding that goes to states and school districts.

That was previously funded at $129 million and would've impacted about a quarter of school districts across the country, not to mention the 1.3 million, um, homeless students who are enrolled in our public schools. So needless to say, um, when, when SchoolHouse saw the zero next to our program, um, we mobilized and, um, we knew that this was a non-starter for everyone in the field who works with homeless children and youth.

And I will say the silver lining in all of this is that homeless education is still a bipartisan issue. Or our executive director now even says tripartisan because we have independents in the mix. And so, um,  still, it's important to make the case and to be very clear about why this is critical. 

So SchoolHouse Connection, um, has a very strong, deep bench of homeless education liaisons [00:04:00] across the country who not only look to us for practical assistance for implementing the program, but also in in return share their experiences with us. And because they know we have such a strong federal policy advocacy arm, we often get a lot of unsolicited stories from liaisons across the country saying, I keep running into this barrier if only policy would do this, or if only we have funding for this, or if only we were allowed to spend money on this.

And so our and I have to give huge credit to our federal policy team. Our executive director, Barbara Duffield, leads our federal policy advocacy efforts. She is a force on the hill and our federal policy, senior manager TJ Lucas, just does tremendous work making all of this happen. And so they mobilized, um, uh, a little more than a hundred homeless education liaisons across the country. And the beautiful thing about this is sometimes school district staff are wary or even [00:05:00] not allowed to talk to federal policy makers because it could be seen as lobbying, but because of our nonprofit status, because of a number of things, um, all we do is share information with policymakers. And that information is nonpartisan. It is not politically biased. It is simply sharing the real world in the field and strategic in these lawmakers districts at home. 

So for a South Carolina senator, for example, to hear that school districts in his, um, state have hundreds of homeless students who are now at risk of losing dedicated support, that really makes a difference. And to hear that actually, um, there's not a lot of staff who are funded through this money. It's usually one person wearing multiple hats trying to make a difference, um, with limited funds. Um, it, it just went a long way. So the victory for us was that that [00:06:00] $129 million was preserved. And to say that you have level funding from one year to the next, that is a huge win in this climate.

Olivia: So it was preserved zero to then it was put back into the budget. 

Erin: Yes. 

Olivia: And so, Erin, I just, let's pause there then because it speaks to not giving up and the idea of mobilizing for good. What is it - the doing good trouble? It's, it's a beautiful idea that we can all band with one person another, another, another. And so. I want to shine a light on the liaisons. You just said. There are liaisons all over the country. These liaisons are the direct connection for people in the school districts. They know the tailored experience of the caregivers of the children there. And so what a beautiful, um, I would say [00:07:00] quilt even that they weave together of stories and, and that's a huge responsibility to hold those stories. We spoke last time about the McKinney-Vento Act and it was a while ago. I'd love for you to explain what that is for people and why that money matters. 

Erin: The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that was passed in the late 1980s, and it established a definition of homelessness when it comes to accessing education services. The goal being that children and youth need consistent, stable access to education in order to overcome their homeless living situation. Um, it's a big reason why SchoolHouse’s mission is overcoming homelessness through education. Um, the McKinney-Vento Act was law, um, and still is law. And in 2015, um, the Every Student Succeeds Act, which is the main education law, um, [00:08:00] reauthorized the provisions of McKinney-Vento and it strengthened them in the process.

So, um, since then we've seen a huge. Um, uh, growth in awareness of what the McKinney-Vento Act does for students experiencing homelessness. Um, there, uh, is more dedicated funding now for the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program as a result of that. And it, it really strengthens the requirements of local education agencies to not only designate a homeless education liaison, but provide certain things for students experiencing homelessness. And the first thing to provide is identifying them. And, and that has set into motion a chain reaction of school districts really taking off with this and digging deeper to understand how do we do outreach? How do we talk about homelessness with our families and with our students so that we can identify them?

And then once they're [00:09:00] identified, how do we get them to school? What happens if they move because of their homeless living situation? What are we required to provide and how can we provide those things and a plethora of, of other services and supports. 

Olivia: Erin, this is just, it's not just occurring to me now, uh, but I'm thinking so much around families that may not have documentation right now and then may also have the extra layer of being homeless. And I can't imagine that even if there's a liaison that feels like a safe person within a school system, that those families would feel comfortable or the teens would feel comfortable. And so there is a barrier again, that has, I'm guessing, really been become a new obstacle for SchoolHouse. 

Erin: Absolutely. Um, I think there's a couple things to say about that. Uh, the first is that immigrant families, [00:10:00] uh, tend to experience homelessness at higher rates than other families, um, for a number of reasons. The other piece of this for us, that we always stress in our practical assistance and in our advocacy is that public pre-K to 12 school systems should not be asking about citizenship. And so helping school district personnel understand that an immigrant student experiencing homelessness is still a student experiencing homelessness and they are still entitled to immediate access, enrollment and services. Um, that is super important. 

What we've seen recently is, um, schools becoming less of a safe space, um, as ICE has targeted institutions of education to try and get families. Um, and this is very terrifying for the children and youth that we work with. It's terrifying for providers. Um, and I, I personally have a lot of respect for [00:11:00] people on the ground who are navigating, um, providing education, but also in a way that protects the rights of children and their families.

Olivia: Same. Same. Uh, thank you for speaking to that. I, I am wondering too, around, I think it's fascinating the difference between dedicated funding and block grants, and I'd love for you to explain that to listeners and then which is which you prefer, which you think is a better way to go. 

Erin: Yeah, it's a great question. It, there was a lot of buzz around this when the president's budget request came out because, uh, the, the proposal was essentially to block grant, um, 16 or 17 distinct education programs. And I think to a lot of people it might sound appealing. Um, it sounds like school districts would be getting a lump sum of funding, um, to provide the required services and supports to their students.

What that means though, is that without dedicated funding for [00:12:00] homeless students, there would be no dedicated services for homeless students. Um, and so when funding is blended into large pots, the most vulnerable children often get overlooked. So practically speaking, a block grant could be used to improve attendance, but the barriers that homeless students face to attending school regularly are unique, and they do require dedicated funds, and a block grant would not allow for that. That's why we are so pleased that our advocacy was successful in protecting the dedicated homeless youth funds. 

Olivia: Yeah, absolutely. That that was so, such a helpful explanation because I found that fascinating. At first when I was studying this, it seemed like block grants would be the way to go for autonomy, and yet then, as you just said, it can take away from the most vulnerable populations, and that's what I hadn't thought through enough. I'd love to end part two thinking of advocacy work, and we've been [00:13:00] talking about advocacy work the whole time, but there have been some beautiful victories when it comes to the Thrive from the Start Coalition, and I would love for you to uplift that work. 

Erin: Yeah, absolutely. We're thrilled that SchoolHouse Connection, can be a core member of the Thrive from the Start network. This is, uh, a community of national early childhood advocacy organizations who have come together with housing sector, the child welfare sector, the health sector, um, all in the interest of infants, toddlers, and their families who are experiencing homelessness and asking the question, how do we not only shift the narrative about homelessness among babies, but what do we do about it?

So our, our first task that we completed, uh, a little over a year ago was to develop a policy agenda. Um, and, and we did, and it's published and it's on the website right from the start.org. And that wasn't enough for us. We [00:14:00] said we need to do this. So we, um, we are now on the implementation phase and um, part of that is a number of working groups. SchoolHouse Connection, convenes the federal policy working group where we're, um, putting into action the steps that are needed to make good on those policy goals. What I'm extra excited about, um, is the 10 state grants that were just announced. Um, we are able to, uh, grant and support with technical assistance, 10 state coalitions who have committed to making progress on infant, toddler and family homelessness in their states. 

And to me, the beautiful thing about this is that it is not a one size fits all grant opportunity. We ask them to submit their ideas and their applications, their impact measures. Um, and we, I am very also very proud to say we received applications from 48 states, which I think just goes to show, um, not only the energy around this, but people see it, [00:15:00] people see that homelessness is everywhere and they wanna do something about it. And so we'll be working with those states over the next 18 months or so, um, to develop action plans to take steps towards realizing those goals that they've set for themselves. 

Olivia: So then Erin, let's wrap the conversation. Um, I'd love for you to speak to the Homeless Children and Youth Act and what's going on with that right now. 

Erin: It's a great question. The Homeless Children and Youth Act, or HCYA, as it's known, is our signature piece of legislation at SchoolHouse Connection. It's our number one federal policy advocacy priority. What it would do is align the federal definitions of homelessness. So back in part one, where we started with those different definitions that often exclude families with children. From housing services, um, the Homeless Children and Youth Act would align definitions to the McKinney-Vento Act so that the federal definition of homelessness would be more broad and include families and children [00:16:00] staying in motels, those sharing the housing of others.

And in doing so, that means that they would also be eligible for housing assistance that they are currently not. Um, so that is something we are proud to advocate for. Each congressional term we tend to add a few more co-sponsors. And so that's kind of the name of the game right now, um, is continuing to inform members of Congress and their staff about why this is important, the prevalence of homelessness among children and youth and how and why they are left out of critical services. And, um, we are hopeful and encouraged by the uptake that we've seen on the hill in recent years. 

Olivia: Yeah. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to have this conversation, and I learn so much from you and your advocacy work every time we are in conversation. I will make sure to tuck links in the show notes to all of the different resources that you've mentioned.[00:17:00] If we do want to take this advocacy work on with you and stand alongside is it best that we reach out through SchoolHouse Connection, or is there another way to get in touch? 

Erin: Absolutely. Our advocacy page on our website has a form where you can sign up and that will direct you to TJ and Barbara who do our federal policy, advocacy. Um, it will help get you plugged in, in whatever way is best and most suitable for you. I know some people like to stay behind the scenes. Others are ready to go to Congress and, and talk to their, their senators and representatives. Um, and it'll also keep you informed. We try not to bombard people with e-newsletters.

We do an e-blast about once a week, but it'll keep you informed. Um, we have a federal policy tracker right now because there's just so much happening and that is updated at least once a week. Um, so encourage folks to take a look at that. Um, and you know, the other thing I would say is, um, take a look at our data tools on our [00:18:00] website. Sometimes advocacy is just knowing your numbers. And I think people would be surprised if they looked up their county or their school district on our homeless children and youth data map, um, to see just how prevalent homelessness is. 

Olivia: Well, thank you for showing up for our kids, showing up for their families, and, um, I just, I admire you so much as a human, Erin, and I'm so lucky to know you 'cause you're doing really, really important work. So thank you. 

Erin: Thank you so much for giving us a platform, giving us a voice to your audience. We are very appreciative. 

Olivia: Yeah. Well, take care friend. 

Erin: Thank you. 

Olivia: Thank you to Erin Patterson for the depth of knowledge, the fire, and the fierce commitment she brings to work every single day. SchoolHouse Connection is proof that policy can be personal and that one law, one liaison, one conversation with a senator [00:19:00] can change the trajectory of a child's life. Visit schoolhouseconnection.org. There you'll find the advocacy page. You can add your name and there is a place for you in this work whether you want to show up from Capitol Hill or simply stay informed. While you're on their website, you can even pull up the Homeless Children and Youth data map and look at your own county.

Next week I'm crossing the ocean from Connecticut classrooms to the school deserts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Kris Nystrom left retirement to tackle the world's lowest literacy rates one community at a time. Kris will change how you think about what's at stake when a child can't read. You don't wanna miss the conversation.

Schoolutions podcast is created, produced, and edited by me. Olivia Wahl. Thank you to my older son Benjamin, who created the music playing in the background. You can follow and listen to Schoolutions wherever you get your [00:20:00] podcast or subscribe to never miss an episode and watch on YouTube. Thank you to my guest, Erin Patterson, for showing us why federal funding for students experiencing homelessness isn't a line item, it's a lifeline. 

And when advocates, liaisons, lawmakers all come together across party lines, they can protect the most vulnerable children in America, even in the most hostile political climates. Reach out to me at oliviawahl.com if you'd like a thought partner to help you call cultivate curious learners who advocate for what they believe in in your classroom or school. 

Don't forget to tune in every Monday and Friday for part one and part two of my guest conversations with the best evidence-based, classroom ready strategies that you can apply right away to better the lives of the children in your care. Your 60-second bite-sized piece of learning from our conversation will be waiting for you on Wednesdays to share with a colleague. Take care and thank [00:21:00] you for forever getting better with me. See you next week.