Homeless surge in Iowa public schools requires additional state funding

Anya’s three-bedroom rental home isn’t by any means extravagant. But it has a camper parked in the yard for family adventures, enough room for her family of five, and a walk-in area where they can put their own coats and shoes, which eliminates the struggle to sort them out from the belongings of other families.

This is a considerable upgrade for a family who spent years couch surfing and bouncing from hotel to hotel.

As of last week, 786 students in the Des Moines Public School system were experiencing homelessness. The work that SUCCESS Coordinators, Community School Coordinators, and Homeless Liaisons do to connect families to resources and keep kids without homes enrolled in school is nothing short of heroic.

Regardless of their heroism and dedication, Iowa needs to get a grip on affordable housing. And the state needs to revisit how it funds education.

“We have an incredible shortage of affordable housing in Des Moines,” explains Jen Stadler, SUCCESS Elementary & Secondary Supervisor at Des Moines Public Schools. “In the last few years one of the lower income apartment complexes was demolished and in the same spot was replaced by very expensive condos and apartments. Waitlist for Section 8 housing is sometimes years long. It is a huge factor for our families.”

Lyn Wilson, the District Homeless Liaison describes the intricate trauma experienced by children and its impact on schools. “Domestic violence, living in the car or parks, the mental health issues we are seeing — these are seen at school because there is no other place to connect. There is a mental health provider shortage.” When they don’t have the resources, she says that basic needs being unmet can result in behavior issues or elopement — “Homeless, hungry, tired. Instead of dealing, you elope and not go to school. It impacts attendance.”

Currently, public schools receive $7,413 per student, called the “state cost per pupil” or SCPP. This SCPP is the same amount that is given via voucher to families who choose private school. Schools also receive special education and English Language Learner enrollment weightings. Yet any consideration for these students comes with increased requirements related to outcomes, accountability and reporting — requirements that are not necessarily shared by private schools that receive voucher funding.

The McKinney- Vento Homeless Act requires that students “do not face barriers to accessing academic and extracurricular activities, including magnet school, summer school, career and technical education, advanced placement, online learning.” Public schools must find transportation, provide school meals, and provide other supports. Additional requirements that — surprise! Do not apply to private schools (although they do apply to charter schools).

School staff are navigating complex transportation routes to get children to their school of origin, no matter where the family ends up staying. Staff are trying to stitch together a patchwork safety net from limited resources of food, shelter, medical and mental health appointments. They stock food pantries and clothing closets. They find a way to cover graduation costs and school supplies. For students who want to participate in extracurricular activities — a means to provide much needed hope, self-esteem, and skill building for any child — they scrounge together funds to secure equipment or materials. “It’s a constant hustle,” says Wilson.

As far as those 786 students who are experiencing homelessness — they represent 2.5% of students in Des Moines, compared to 1.3% of students across the state and 2.4% nationally. Des Moines is seen as having a lot of resources. “Churches will bring students to Des Moines because they don’t have (the same resources) in rural areas,” says Wilson. “We get some state or federal funding, but it is not enough to meet the needs.” And oftentimes, urban school districts are receiving high-needs students from other areas of the state after official enrollment numbers are certified Oct. 1 — translating into resources stretched thin over the entire student body.

Experiencing homelessness can result in poorer academic outcomes and decreased attendance compared to housed peers, but outcomes vary, and research is showing that protective factors exist when identified homeless students receive additional resources.

Tayli Abel has worked with Anya’s family for years and has seen the impact that consistent, longitudinal services can have on students. Anya’s older child shouldered the largest burden of their situation, but he has demonstrated great resiliency. “He got in therapy and medication management. We saw academics increasing because his needs were supported. He has learned a lot more coping skills and can now ask for help. He is even wanting to help with younger students in a mentor role.”

Some still think it all boils down to poor parenting and choices. “Generational poverty and trauma make it extremely hard to do any different” says Abel. Dwindling community resources don’t help either. One of the few shelters in the metro area that keeps families together is closing its doors permanently. Family Promises ceased operations on Dec. 1 and has been transitioning families to other housing. Food, medical and mental health, and housing have been in high demand and short supply, and recent policy decisions have further limited access to resources.

“Iowans can help out.” Stadler recommends “talking to legislators and being the voice for adequate funding for mental health, additional funding for shelters and housing and adequate public school funding. Be kind.” She also challenges Iowans. “You don’t know what the person next to you is experiencing. Extend grace and kindness.”

For those wanting to help this holiday season and beyond, gift cards, hygiene supplies, and other items can be donated in person at 1000 Porter Ave in Des Moines and directly to the four high schools in Cedar Rapids.

Chris Espersen is a Gazette editorial fellow. chris.espersen@thegazette.com