NH Delegation Welcomes $2.2 Million from ARPA to Provide Homeless Students with Education

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) welcomed $2,296,237 to support New Hampshire’s plan to utilize American Rescue Plan Act funding for the State’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth program (ARP-HCY).

The funding will help identify students experiencing homelessness and provide technical assistance to remove barriers that prevent them from accessing educational opportunities. By bolstering transportation in rural and remote communities, as well as funding supplies, clothing, hygiene, academic tutoring and mental health resources, the funding will support students on the frontlines of the homelessness crisis, which has worsened since the pandemic.

“The pandemic disrupted and inhibited education for young Granite Staters, particularly those in underserved communities who are experiencing homelessness. Access to education during such formative years should be guaranteed to all children, which is why we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to connect vulnerable students with resources to continue their education,” said Senator Shaheen. “I fought to secure robust funding for New Hampshire during negotiations of the American Rescue Plan, and I’m pleased over $2 million is now heading to our state to connect homeless students with education and basic needs. I’ll continue working to ensure these federal resources are delivered swiftly so young Granite Staters aren’t left behind during this crisis.”

“These important funds from the American Rescue Plan will help provide students who don’t have access to consistent housing with critical necessities, including transportation to school, as well as services such as mental health support and tutoring,” said Senator Hassan. “Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and I will continue working to get New Hampshire the resources it needs to give our youth the best possible shot at success.”  

“Regardless of socioeconomic status, every Granite State child deserves the chance to attend school and be a kid,” said Rep. Kuster. “I’m pleased New Hampshire will receive more than $2.2 million in federal funding, authorized through the American Rescue Plan, to help our school districts identify homeless students and provide them with the support they need to attend school and fully participate with their classmates. I will continue working to expand opportunity for children experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire, and address the changing social and emotional needs of our students due to this pandemic.”

“Every child in New Hampshire should have access to education and the support they need to succeed in school,” said Rep. Pappas. “These American Rescue Plan funds will help students experiencing homelessness access not only education, but transportation, mental health services, and other resources they might need. Moving forward, I’ll continue fighting to bring more resources to our schools to provide our students with every opportunity possible.”

Shaheen and Hassan are members of the bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers that steered negotiations of COVID-19 relief. The delegation worked to secure the passage of the American Rescue Plan to respond to the full scope of this public health and economic emergency, providing urgently needed assistance to American students, families, businesses, workers and health care providers impacted by the public health and economic crises.

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