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This year, we’ve reformed the Index to focus on unhoused youth and young adults (YYA), aligning it with their experiences and policy needs. Shifting from harm reduction to transformative change, some jurisdictions may see lower scores than before. This is a deliberate strategy, not a setback. Lower scores should motivate, not discourage, jurisdictions. They present an opportunity to adopt policies that effectively tackle and prevent youth homelessness, fostering meaningful progress.
Appropriations for Schools to Directly Prevent Homelessness
- Education
The jurisdiction appropriates funding for schools to provide direct financial or housing assistance to students at risk of homelessness
States and territories can appropriate funding for schools to help students and families directly with rent, past due utilities bills, and other services to prevent the loss of housing or to find housing.
| Key | Metric Score | Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | Transformative Edge | The jurisdiction appropriates funding for schools to provide direct financial or housing assistance to students at risk of homelessness | |
| 0.0 | Status Quo | No law found | |
| No Data | No Data | No Data |
Cite: National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United. ", Appropriations for Schools to Directly Prevent Homelessness" https://youthstateindex.com/maps/appropriations-for-schools-to-directly-prevent-homelessness/. Accessed: July 27, 2024.
Education
Access to formal education is crucial for unhoused young people for a number of reasons. Education is often a gateway to essential services, secure housing, and stable finances. Education can provide critical thinking and other skill sets that are necessary, both personally and professionally, for adulthood. Education can provide a sense of purpose and belonging, which is important for unhoused young people who are isolated or disconnected from society, including care providers and their peers.
“What I needed most was a clean space (uncluttered), a place to eat meals, transportation to and from school and activities. I did not have places to study. I have always been a high achieving student without the physical and mental space to fully feel safe and supported.”– Makayla Dawkins
Model Statute:
These maps are provided as legal information only and should not be used as legal advice for your specific situation. If you need help with any of the issues described on this website, please check out the Homeless Youth Legal Network (HYLN) directory OR email or call HYLN for help finding a referral to a lawyer.
