School Board of Philadelphia votes to extend funding for homeless youth services

Pilot project to link with community-based housing agencies succeeds

The School District of Philadelphia and 48 charter schools received American Rescue Plan emergency funding to support the City’s 6,800+ students experiencing homelessness. In addition to supporting their own efforts, the District contracted out with three community-based organizations and the Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services. This effort to engage trusted community-based organizations with expertise in housing and accessing services proved beneficial for more than 1,000 students.

However, this funding disappears December 31, 2024. Without General Fund dollars, the new capacity to support homeless students evaporates. 

But in October, the School Board voted in October to extend funding for homeless youth services. Read a news article at https://metrophiladelphia.com/school-board-vote-homeless-youth/

Advocates have been asking Mayor Parker and the Philadelphia City Council Assembly for $3 million in General Funds in the FY 2024-25 budget to continue the current capacity to support students experiencing homelessness. Council listened and worked with the School District to find $2.3 million in the District’s budget to continue the contracted work through to June of 2025.

This has been a pilot project for Philadelphia. Results are still being collected. We learned recently of one anecdote that explains some of this new support:

A 10th grade student was kicked out of his home and reached out for support.  He did not have other family or friends to stay with. One of the three agencies contracted by the School District referred him to shelter at Youth Emergency Services (YES), which provided safe housing for the student for 21 days. During that time, the team provided money for clothing and school supplies and he was able to keep up with school. At the end of the 21 days, he was able to return home to a diffused situation with his parents. 

This anecdote demonstrates a level of service that is not possible by a school counselor. Advocates hope to continue educating decision makers that community-based agencies can stablized students experiencing homelessness with their skill at providing social workers, housing experts, access to behavioral health services, and more.

The organizing is led by Eddie’s House, HopePHL, the Philly Homes 4 Youth coalition, Turning Points, and Valley Youth House.