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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Group Homes

Mission: In a given year, over 1.35 million children are estimated to experience homelessness in America. Homeless children are now among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. Federal legislation broadly defines homeless children as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This definition not only includes children living in shelters, but also those living in cars, motels, trailer parks, substandard housing, shared housing (due to the loss of housing or economic hardship), and other places not ordinarily used as sleeping accommodations for humans. According to the most recent data available, 25% of homeless students resided in shelters and 50% resided in doubled-up situations.In the 1980''s and 1990''s, federal response to the growing crisis of homelessness in America led to the awareness that only 55% of homeless children (K-12) were regularly attending school. Data from 2000 reveal that 77% of homeless children (K-12) were regularly attending school, and 15% of homeless preschool children were enrolled in school programs. Although the 2000 data has shown significant progress in the attendance of K-12 students, one out of every four homeless children is still not attending school and six out of every seven preschool children are not enrolled in early learning programs. Undoubtedly, much work remains to be done.Compared to their peers, homeless children are more likely to suffer from health problems, developmental delays, learning disabilities, emotional difficulties, and mental disorders. Furthermore, the high mobility associated with homelessness has been shown to negatively impact a child?s education. Research findings on mobility and academic achievement reveal that compared to their housed peers, mobile students are half as likely to graduate from high school and twice as likely to repeat a grade.NAEHCY''s mission is to connect all those working in homeless education - educators, advocates, researchers, parents, policy makers, and service providers - in the effort to ensure the academic and overall success of all children in homeless situations. We fervently believe that education is vital to breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness; therefore, we work to ensure that vulnerable children receive an education and be afforded the greatest opportunity to succeed in life.

Programs: NAEHCY's programs include:(1) Organizing an annual national conference convening educators, advocates, researchers, and service providers to provide professional development and networking opportunities in addressing the educational needs of homeless children(2) Administering the LeTendre Education Fund, which is a scholarship program for homeless youth who have demonstrated academic achievement and are pursuing higher education(3) Monitoring and analyzing legislation impacting the education of homeless children (e.g. Head Start, IDEA, McKinney-Vento)(4) Developing position papers, policy recommendations, and advocacy tools for members, stakeholders, and national partner organizations(5) Communicating with Congressional offices and federal agencies to advance NAEHCY's recommendations(6) Collaborating with national organizations such as housing, homeless, domestic violence, education, child welfare, and faith-based organizations on policy strategy and action(7) Providing professional development training at 60-70 national, state, and local conferences per year, including local Head Start agencies, school districts, homeless coalitions, statewide homeless liaison conferences, and national conferences such as Title I, Head Start, Health Care for the Homeless, Runaway and Homeless Youth, and National Network for Youth.

Community Stories

23 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The national Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth is a wonderful help for all professionals involved in homeless education. It provides a "helpline" that professionals can use to call if you have any questions and discuss the questions with an experienced professional. The annual conference provides training and time for educators to collaborate with professionals from your own state as well as other states. There are online resources for all to use as well. This is the "go to" place for all educators of students experiencing homelessness. THANK YOU for your support of students and families experiencing homelessness!

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

I was the former Associate Commissioner of the Family and Youth Services Bureau, which administers Homeless Youth programs for HHS. Over the years NAEHCY has made a concerted effort to support older homeless youth and their educational needs. This is an extremely difficult population to program for because of their transient status and lack of family support. I have been very excited to see this relationship evolve.

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

NAEHCY works tirelessly to improve access to education for children and youth experiencing homelessness. NAEHCY is the national expert on laws, legislation, policy and practice regarding education for students without housing. It is an invaluable resource to other professionals throughout the country working to improve educational outcomes. Students in homeless situation have a greater chance to succeed due to NAEHCY's dedicated efforts.

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I'm a professor of psychology and human development. I am directing the program "My Brothers Keeper" a homeless college student resource center scheduled to open in January 2012. I'm an Army Veteran that needed assistance while I was in college. I'm currently completing the PhD in psychology and noticed as a professor many college students arriving at the campus early to shower in the campus gym and sleeping on benches after I have taught my last course in the evenings. The college has offered funding and a building to house our program! We are currently raising funding to sustain the program while going through the college foundation. What I actually need is current statistical data regarding the amount of homeless college students in the United States and if there is a US initiative in place to address the issue. Our student homeless issue is immediate but we are in search of current data.
Any assistance would be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Professor Carole Toney
ctoney@polk.edu
813 943-2653

Volunteer

Rating: 5

NAEHCY as an organization has successfully brought together people from all walks to topple the barriers children in homeless situations face when simply trying to attend school. The organization has achieved success despite its limited financial resources.

Board Member

Rating: 4

I continue to be impressed by the passion and commitment our board and members demonstrate for those with little voice. We continue to grow and build bridges to make our work more effective.

1

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

NAEHCY is a true great non-profit. It has taken the lead in the nation for the education of homeless children and provides the forum , the information, the network and support for all the professionals in the nation working to see that homeless children's rights under the federal law are upheld. They are available, personal, and consistent over many many years. I have attended 8 of their national conferences and that has been the main support of my work for the 10 years I have been serving homeless children and families.

1

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

I work at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty and frequently both support and receive support from my colleagues at NAEHCY. They do amazing work with limited staff and resources, are leaders in the field, and their work helps hundreds of thousands of homeless children stay in school each year.

1

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

NEACHY provides valuable information and resources to local public school districts on the status of homelessness in America. It provides ways of connecting with other school districts. Their national conference is always a great experience offering creative ways to reach out and provide services to those students and families in need.

1

Donor

Rating: 5

NAEHCY is the ultimate advocate for our nations most vulnerable...homeless children. The liaisons working at the district level work tirelessly to provide the most resources to children struggling to live day to day. Their work is non-stop and critical to the futures of more than 1.5 million children. In short, they are our heroes!

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