Raising Awareness to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness
To identify and support children and youth experiencing homelessness, we first have to see them — and understand their realities. These resources help schools, community organizations, and advocates share accurate information and inspire action.
From flyers and infographics to public service announcements and videos, you’ll find ready-to-use tools to engage staff, students, families, and your broader community in learning about and addressing child and youth homelessness.
Are you a new homeless liaison?
This resource hub is designed to help new homeless education liaisons carry out their responsibilities and find inspiration and support.
One-page summary of access to early learning for children experiencing homelessness, birth to five
One-page summary outlining eligibility, priority enrollment provisions, and best practices for connecting young children experiencing homelessness to Head Start, child care, and preschool programs.
Child Care for Children Experiencing Homelessness: What States Need to Know and Do
Learn how states are meeting federal child care requirements for families experiencing homelessness. Explore key barriers, legal obligations, and state-by-state provisions on grace periods, co-payment waivers, and documentation requirements.
Use these downloadable flyers, infographics, and posters to raise awareness, help identify students who may be experiencing homelessness, and connect families to their educational rights.
You’ll find:
Awareness flyers for parents and unaccompanied youth, in English, Spanish, and Haitian Kreyol
The federal definition of homelessness, explained in plain language
Disaster rights flyers for families displaced by natural disasters
Signs to look for—both in the classroom and in virtual settings
Funding Guide: Services & Supports for Homeless Students
A practical tool for McKinney-Vento liaisons and LEAs to identify allowable funding sources—federal, state, tribal, and local—to support students experiencing homelessness. It includes a pre-filled matrix aligned with liaison duties and strategic planning guidance.
This resource page is entirely in Spanish, with fact sheets, flyers, and videos to support children and youth experiencing homelessness, birth through higher education.
1. Volantes Acerca de los Derechos McKinney-Vento | Editable “Know Your Rights” Flyers
Indicators of Homelessness: Awareness Building Tools for Staff
This resource describes certain struggles or behaviors that may be indicators of homelessness and offers strategies to assist in the identification process.
The McKinney-Vento “Elevator Pitch”: A Guide to Engaging School Staff and Community Partners
Quickly and effectively raise awareness about student homelessness. This guide helps school staff and community partners craft a powerful McKinney-Vento elevator pitch to increase identification, referrals, and support.
This guide is designed to help LEA homeless liaisons and homeless service providers to gain a basic understanding of some important higher education programs and create and sustain higher education partnerships.
Scholar Stories: Real Experiences, Practical Insights
Hear directly from SchoolHouse Connection Scholars about their journeys through homelessness and education. These short, powerful videos offer school staff an authentic look at the challenges students face — and the difference a caring, informed adult can make.
Use these stories in staff trainings, team meetings, or professional development. Examples include:
Youth Discuss the Value of Education — Scholars express gratitude to educators and share why school stability matters.
“I will never forget the way she saw me as a person.” — A scholar reflects on the life-changing impact of one teacher’s compassion.
Now at Harvard After Experiencing Homelessness — How education and support opened doors to opportunity.
Breaking the Cycle — Abbie shares how mentors helped her rewrite her future.
A Message to School Staff — Practical advice from students on how to support those experiencing homelessness.
Be sure to click this icon in the upper-right corner of the video player for the full library!
