1. Community Collaboration … A Tale of Two Definitions Community Collaboration … A Tale of Two Definitions NAEHCY 2015

2. Introductions... Kathi Sheffel, MA Fairfax County Public Schools (VA) Homeless Liaison & Foster Care Liaison Tami Eppolite, MSW Fairfax County Public Schools (VA) School Social Worker

3. Whose Definition Is It? School systems are using the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act which is the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of homelessness Community agencies & housing programs are using the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of homelessness

4. Tale of Two Definitions Why are we presenting these issues? Opportunity to create a program that fits our families and children in need

5. 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)

6. In addition, education considers the following as homeless... Doubled-up with other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason BIG The BIG Differences

7. Education also considers the following as homeless... Living in:   Hotels/Motels   Trailer Parks   Camping Grounds DUE TO LACK OF ALTERNATIVE ADEQUATE ACCOMMODATIONS - Differences Continued -

8. 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 -

9. PR Challenges Relationship Challenges Why these two definitions are challenging ???

10. FOUR CATEGORIES Category 1:Literally homeless Category 2:Imminently homeless (will be literally homeless within 14 days) Category 3: Youth/families meeting the definition under another federal law Category 4: Fleeing domestic violence HUD definitions

11. 2009 Amendment to MV Act Addresses the housing and related services needs of homeless persons Goal of reduced frequency Hearth Act

12. 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

13. - HUD Funds Continued - HUD also funds public assistance grant programs, such as Section 8 & FUP Vouchers

14. Educators need to understand federal housing programs to ensure appropriate referrals for children that are eligible Why both are important ?

15. Our Community Collaboration

16. 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 10 th 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.

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. Collaboration Beginnings…

21. Shared Needs Emergency Shelter Affordable housing Emergency food Mental health services for children/adults Medical/dental services Basic needs assistance Childcare Employment

22. 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

23. 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)

24. Participation Exercise SHARED NEEDS COMMUNITY SUPPORTS CURRENT RELATIONSHIPS

25.   Frequent meetings   Removing yourself from meetings   Mix it up   Regular communication/sharing of resources   Searching for common ground   Restart Strategies that have worked

26. 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)

27.  Defending the definition  Taking the bait Strategies that have not worked

28. Sharing data Explaining the differences Different Data

29. 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?

30. 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

31. Participation Exercise CLIMATE BARRIERS

32. I s s u e B r i e f

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

37. Contact Us... Kathi Sheffel, MA Fairfax County Public Schools (VA) Homeless Liaison & Foster Care Liaison Phone 571-423-4332; Email: KLSheffel@fcps.edu KLSheffel@fcps.edu Tami Eppolite, MSW Fairfax County Public Schools (VA) School Social Worker Phone 571-423-4371; Email: TFEppolite@fcps.edu TFEppolite@fcps.edu