Federal Funding Threatened: Here's How Homeless Liaisons Fought Back

In Part 2 of my Schoolutions conversation, Erin Patterson from SchoolHouse Connection returns to detail legislative wins for families experiencing homelessness, showcasing how advocacy works amid federal budget cuts. In this episode, you'll learn:How $129 million in homeless education funding was zeroed out in the President's FY26 budget, and how SchoolHouse Connection got it restored through nonpartisan grassroots advocacyWhat the McKinney-Vento Act actually guarantees for homeless studentsThe Homeless Children and Youth Act: the signature legislation that would align federal definitions so families in motels and doubled-up housing finally qualify for housing assistanceHow the Thrive from the Start Coalition is mobilizing state-level action on infant and toddler homelessness, and why 48 states applied for just 10 grantsMentions:➡️Barbara Duffield ➡️Thomas J. Lucas (TJ)➡️Thrive from the Start Coalition ➡️Advocacy Page➡️Federal Policy Tracker ➡️Homeless Children and Youth Data Map➡️McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act➡️Every Student Succeeds Act ➡️Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program ➡️Homeless Children and Youth Act  ➡️Individuals with Disabilities Education Act  ➡️Resources for Homeless Education Liaisons🎧 Watch Part I! Erin paints the full picture of what hidden homelessness looks like for children across America. CHAPTERS 0:00 When the Budget Shows a Zero 1:45 FY26 Budget & Homeless Education 6:00 $129 Million Restored 7:30 McKinney-Vento Explained 10:00 Undocumented & Homeless 11:45 Dedicated Funding vs. Block Grants 13:00 Thrive from the Start 15:15 Homeless Children & Youth Act 16:30 How to Get Involved Next Week:  Dr. Kris Nystrom left retirement to tackle the world's lowest literacy rates in sub-Saharan Africa, one community at a time. This one will change how you see what's at stake when a child can't read. When teachers, coaches, administrators, and families grow together, they create schools where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged, supported, and ready to thrive.