The new #COVID19 relief legislation will help remove barriers to #financialaid for #homeless & foster youth. BUT, to prevent generational cycles of #homelessness in the face of a pandemic & economic crisis, the steps to supporting children, youth, & families can't stop there.

What we still need is targeted, dedicated federal funding to the programs, education professionals, & systems that are best equipped to identify & support children & youth who are #homeless - esp in a year where thousands lack support. Our recent report: https://bit.ly/3mGGGX1 

#Homeless families & youth who stay with others b/c they can’t find or fear shelter, or use limited income for motels, have been completely shut out:
-->NOT protected by moratoria,
-->NOT eligible for rent relief, and
-->NOT #Homeless enough for @HUDgov homeless assistance

These families & youth can’t social distance, stay in crowded situations, must move often, and will continue to spread and contract #COVID19, as well as be at risk of violence, harm, & educational loss.

The Emergency Family Stabilization Act (EFSA) championed by @Sen_JoeManchin & @lisamurkowski would direct flexible funding to organizations on the ground best equipped to recognize and help children, youth, & families living without a permanent home https://www.schoolhouseconnection.org/efsa-introduced/

School districts, early childhood programs, & community-based organizations are working tirelessly to fill gaps, identify & support these #homeless children, youth, & families. These efforts rely on boosts from federal aid.
What is the McKinney-Vento Act: https://bit.ly/3nHsxtN 

We CANNOT recover from this crisis if we leave millions of children, youth, & families behind. Congress must include EFSA and funding for the Education for Homeless Children & Youth program in the next #COVID relief package early next year.