Board Presentation on Homelessness

May 18, 2015

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (1987)

The extent of the homelessness problem among school-age children and youths.

• Nationally (3%) children ages 3-21 attending school on any given day are homeless.

• In Iowa (1%) of children ages 3-21 and attending a school-based program are homeless.

• On average we identify around (2.5%) of our kids as homeless and attending school at College Community for some portion of the school year.

A child is considered homeless if they are between the ages of 3 – 21 and lack a “fixed, regular and adequate” night time residence.

This year all of the homeless families at College Community were either:

• Living in one of three transitional housing programs located in the district.

• Living with a friend or relative due to foreclosure, loss of income, eviction, or some similar reason.

• Living temporarily in one of the motels on 33rd Ave. SW that offer low weekly rates.

Transitional Housing in College Community

• Heart of Iowa – ASAC substance abuse treatment program for women with children.

• The Way Home program – temporary housing for HOI graduates or court-ordered families.

• Inn Circle – HACAP transitional housing for homeless individuals, couples, or families.

How do we identify homeless children?

• Enrollment form at ESC.• Building secretaries.• Classroom teachers and counselors.

118 students total identified as homeless in 2014-15 so far (75 currently attending).

• PS 5 (4%)• El 61 (52%)• Creek 20 (17%)• Point 15 (13%)• HS 17 (14%)

Living Arrangements of College Community Homeless Students

in 2014-15

• Transitional Housing 70%• Doubled-Up 25%• Hotel or Motel 5%• Unsheltered 0%

This ratio very stable over last 3 years.

2014-15 Homeless Program

In July 2014 DE informed us we have $11,000 in additional funds for 2014-15 for a total of 35,000 for year. Additional dollars used to hire second (.4) FTE

homeless liaison to work during school day in place of funding after-school academic support programs.

2014-15 Homeless Program

• Jim Barth (.4) – Heights, View, Ridge, and Crest.

• Angie Trenary (.4) – Hill, Creek, Point, and Prairie High.

• Linda Bruch – program support.

2015-18 Homeless Grant

• Applying for $25,000 annually for next three years.

• Awards by May 30.• Grant written for:

(.4) FTE Liaison.After-school academic support programs. Summer school for homeless students at no cost

to parents (Title I Set-Aside funds).