Dear colleagues:

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a new American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage at https://oese.ed.gov/offices/american-rescue-plan/american-rescue-plan-elementary-secondary-school-emergency-relief-homeless-children-youth-arp-hcy/frequently-asked-arp-hcy-questions-and-answers/. The webpage features FAQs on common fiscal questions. In the coming days and weeks, the Department will post additional answers to common implementation questions received from the field. NCHE encourages you to bookmark this page and check it regularly.

As a reminder, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) was signed into law on March 11, 2021. ARP seeks to deliver direct financial relief to the American people, support the rebuilding of the American economy, ensure the safe reopening of in-person instruction in U.S. public schools, and fund a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 virus. More specifically, ARP appropriated:

• $122.8 billion in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funding, including $800 million for identifying homeless children and youth, and providing them with wrap-around services and assistance to attend school and participate fully in school activities (ARP-HCY; visit the Department’s ARP-HCY landing webpage for more information);
• $39.6 billion in Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEERF III) funding; and
• $42.5 billion in housing and homeless response

NCHE will be partnering with the Department to provide additional technical assistance support related to ARP-HCY implementation, and will share about those supports as they become available.

Best regards,

Christina Dukes

Deputy Director, Partnerships and Policy

National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)