Community Collaboration

… A Tale of Two Definitions

NAEHCY 2015

Introductions . . .

Kathi Sheffel, MAFairfax County Public Schools (VA) Homeless

Liaison & Foster Care Liaison

Tami Eppolite, MSWFairfax County Public Schools (VA) School

Social Worker

Whose Definition Is It?School systems are using the

McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act which is the

U.S. Department of Education’sdefinition of homelessness

Community agencies & housing programs are using the

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of homelessness

Tale of Two Definitions

Why are we presenting these issues?

Opportunity to create a program that fits

our families and children in need

The definitions of Homelessness

Living in the following places due to a lack of a fixed, regular, and/or adequate nighttime residence . . .

In an emergency or transitional shelter In a motel/hotel or campground In a car, park, public place, bus/train

station, or abandoned building Homeless Unaccompanied Youth (HUY)

In addition, education considers the following as homeless ...

Doubled-up with other persons due to

loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason

The BIG Differences

Education also considers the following as homeless ...

Living in: Hotels/Motels Trailer Parks Camping Grounds

DUE TO LACK OF ALTERNATIVE ADEQUATE ACCOMMODATIONS

- Differences Continued -

Education also considers the following as homeless ...

Living in substandard housing: Space restrictions Lack of utilities Unsanitary conditions (i.e., mold,

pests) Unfit/unsafe for children

- Differences Continued -

PR ChallengesRelationship Challenges

Why these two definitions are challenging ???

FOUR CATEGORIES Category 1: Literally homeless

Category 2: Imminently homeless(will be literally homeless within 14 days)

Category 3: Youth/families meeting thedefinition under another federal law

Category 4: Fleeing domestic violence

HUD definitions

2009 Amendment to MV Act

Addresses the housing and related services needs of homeless persons

Goal of reduced frequency

Hearth Act

Why Is This Important? The category of HUD homelessness will

determine specific programs that families/individuals will qualify for

2 grants designed for this …

Grant 1: Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Rapid Rehousing may fall here

Grant 2: Continuum of Care (CoC) Supports HMIS and community programs

- HUD Funds Continued -

HUD also funds public assistance grant programs, such as

Section 8 & FUP Vouchers

Educators need to understand federal housing programs to ensure appropriate referrals for children that are eligible

Why both are important ?

Our Community

Collaboration

Demographics of Fairfax County, VA Fairfax County, VA covers a total area of 407 square miles with a population of 1,137,538. Median household income of $111,079.

FCPS is the 10th largest school system in the United States, and the largest in Virginia. FCPS has 244 schools/centers, and an enrollment of 186,714 students (K-12) for the 2015-2016 school year. Students receiving free and reduced meals is just over 28%.

FCPS identified 2,275 homeless students last school year, of which 596 were HUY.

FCPS Program Highlights Identification, advocacy and support for

homeless youth Transportation to school of origin Homeless Youth Initiative (HYI) College prep (FAFSA, scholarships, etc) Comprehensive tutoring program Supplemental food program

Highlights

Trainings, presentations, and ongoing consultation with school division personnel

Supplemental food program Backpack and school supply distribution Holiday assistance for HUY Coat project Community and state workgroups Multi-county collaborations Non-profit and faith based partners Dorm project

Program History• Initially a small program ...

Part-time liaison, small MV grant, few tutors

• Increased funding from … Title 1, FCPS, and MV allowed staffing increase and growth

• Homeless student count growth = more comprehensive program with more resources

• Relationship building created benefits within our school system

Collaboration Beginnings…

Shared Needs Emergency Shelter Affordable housing Emergency food Mental health services for

children/adults Medical/dental services Basic needs assistance Childcare Employment

Community Supports Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) Four family shelters, one teen emergency

shelter Transitional housing programs Permanent supportive housing Other adult shelters Non-profits Faith-based supporters Community Services Board (CSB) Community health clinics Community members and organizations Transitioning Youth Housing and Program

Current Relationships Regular communication with shelters and

community programs Defined process for health services Developing referral process for mental

health services Partnering with faith-based community

members Partnering with non-profits Internal FCPS members County human services program (i.e.,

DFS)

Participation Exercise

SHARED NEEDS COMMUNITY SUPPORTS CURRENT RELATIONSHIPS

Frequent meetings Removing yourself from meetings Mix it up Regular communication/sharing of resources Searching for common ground Restart

Strategies that have worked

On Going Activities

CoC participation Shelter provider meetings Monthly one-on-one Hosting “meet and greets” Inclusion with common areas of

interest Homeless Youth Initiative (HYI)

Defending the definition

Taking the bait

Strategies that have not worked

Sharing data

Explaining the differences

Different Data

Climate in the Community

• Within the community at large…

• What are the homeless services and how are they working? • How is your community implementing the 10

year plan to end homelessness?

• Within the school community…

• How are homeless families identified within your school division?

Barriers: Real and Perceived Eligibility requirements Long waitlist for help Competition for limited resources Definition differences Suburban homelessness not apparent Lack of understanding regarding

demographics and causes of homelessness

Personal bias/fear

Participation Exercise

CLIMATE BARRIERS

I s

s u

e

B

r i e

f

Finding Common Ground

Finding and organizing resources in the community

Presenting a compelling case and securing commitment from prospective supporters

… Data… Case examples… Success stories… Keep it simple

Staying Fluid with Program Development

Learning as we go….. Utilizing “feedback” to make changes On-going relationship building with

community partners A few examples of our growth:

• Jeans Day• Issue Brief• Resource Fairs - Basic Needs Assistance• Tutoring in Shelters• Fairfax Connector Bus Passes for all high

school students

Care and Feeding …

Nurturing partnerships …Understanding the natural tension based on

different missions

Maintaining existing relationships …In spite of the different parameters, finding

the common goals

Creating recognition programs to support current and prospective partners

Contact Us . . .

Kathi Sheffel, MAFairfax County Public Schools (VA)

Homeless Liaison & Foster Care LiaisonPhone 571-423-4332; Email: KLSheffel@fcps.edu

Tami Eppolite, MSWFairfax County Public Schools (VA)

School Social WorkerPhone 571-423-4371; Email: TFEppolite@fcps.edu