Legislative Issue Brief: Student Homelessness

By Jacob Vela, League of Education Voters Chief Policy Officer, and Aaron Yared, Director of Policy & Advocacy at Building Changes

 

In order for students to be ready for learning, their basic physical, social, and emotional needs must be met. When these needs go unmet, students can struggle to stay engaged in school or even regularly attend school. This is especially true for students experiencing homelessness, who often don’t know where they will sleep week-to-week or if they will have access to enough food to sustain their nutritional needs.

Outside of the years of the pandemic, the number of Washington students experiencing homelessness has seen steady increases since the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction began monitoring the number annually.[1]

 

As the resources needed to support the increased needs of students experiencing homelessness have grown in recent years, state and federal supports have become increasingly uncertain. Read More

Washington Game Changers Podcast – Nick Merriam, CEO and Co-Founder of sea-citi

Washington Game Changers with Lauri Hennessey features leaders who give back to our community, drive innovative solutions, and inspire others in making our state more equitable and just. This podcast is a one-on-one conversation with these powerful leaders in a time when we need to hear about more good in the world.

In this episode, League of Education Voters CEO Lauri Hennessey talks with Nick Merriam, the CEO and Co-Founder of sea-citi, where tech and the community collaborate for results. Nick’s background is in social impact. At sea.citi, he works with tech companies and tech workers to build an inclusive, thriving, and equitable community. Lauri and Nick discuss homelessness in Seattle, the future of telecommuting, tech workers engaging more in civic discourse, and disproportionate youth access to technology during the pandemic.

Listen:

Listen on SpotifyApple Podcasts, or Spreaker.

Watch:

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Washington Game Changers Podcast – Marty Hartman of Mary’s Place

Washington Game Changers with Lauri Hennessey features leaders who give back to our community, drive innovative solutions, and inspire others in making our state more equitable and just. This podcast is a one-on-one conversation with these powerful leaders in a time when we need to hear about more good in the world.

In this episode, Lauri talks to Marty Hartman, Executive Director of Mary’s Place, an organization founded on the principle that no one’s child should sleep outside. Mary’s Place provides safe, inclusive shelter and services that support women, children, and families on their journey out of homelessness.

Marty Hartman talks about homelessness in Seattle, the impact of COVID-19 on families living in homelessness, and what you may not know about families who experience homelessness. Marty also shares inspirational stories about families doing their best with their kids during this tough time of socially-distanced learning and living through the pandemic.

Listen:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Spreaker.

Watch:

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Recap: Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness in the Time of COVID

By Lizzeth Mancilla
Engagement and Policy Intern

 

Jolene Grimes Edwards (L), ChrisTiana ObeySumner (C), Avanti Bergquist (R)

COVID-19 has greatly impacted every aspect of our lives, from working to shopping, our health, and our social lives. However, homeless youth are particularly vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19. The coronavirus disease further burdens these students who don’t have a permanent home, a place to take online classes, a support system, reliable internet access, food, etc.

In this webinar, Dr. Avanti Bergquist of the Renton School Board, Principal Jolene Grimes Edwards of Neah Bay High School, and social justice advocate ChrisTiana ObeySumner shared stories, personal experiences, and advice on how to best support students experiencing homelessness.

This LEVinar was co-hosted with our partner Building Changes, an organization focused on supporting students experiencing homelessness. Building Changes works across and within the education, health, and housing systems to address the needs of students and families impacted by Washington state’s housing crises. Through research, programming, and advocacy, Building Changes promotes equitable responses to support students and families experiencing homelessness across the state. Read More