HOMELESS Symposium Details

SYMPOSIUM OPTION 1:
Getting to Graduation: Helping Homeless Youth
Jan. 23, 2020   9:00am-4:00pm

This Symposium is designed to share information and data on the extent of youth homelessness in Oregon and ways school districts and community organizations are collaborating to improve school access and student success. Staff from key state and local programs in education, runaway and homeless youth services, host homes and continuums of care will provide up-to date news on where Oregon is making improvements, where service gaps remain, and where new resources may be found. 

9:00-9:15    Opening Remarks and Introductions

9:15-10:00    Runaway & Homeless Youth Services Update – Matt Rasmussen, Jo Zimmer
        
10:00-11:30    Second Home: A Community Effort to Provide Housing for Unaccompanied Students
Gresham-Barlow and Beaverton SDs, East Metro Mediation and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon will share their unique roles in the Second Home relationship as we wrap around the students and host families in Gresham. Hear about the program history, purpose and implementation details from McKinney-Vento Liaisons, Second Home and Mediation staff. Learn how districts can replicate this student-centered program and support unaccompanied youth with housing stability, meeting social-emotional needs, school attendance and getting to graduation. 
--April Olson, Jenny Pratt, Tera Cleland, Nancy Singleterry, Adam Jenkins, Lisa Mentesana

11:30-12:00    State and District Data – Dona Bolt

1:00-4:00    Patricia Julianelle, Director, SchoolHouse Connection
SchoolHouse Connection is a national organization dedicated to the McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth program.  Ms. Julianelle, attorney and MV expert, will discuss education rights of unaccompanied homeless youth and the emergence of host homes as a part of the housing continuum.