NJ Senator has been main proponent of funding help children remain in their schools after families have lost their homes
ELIZABETH, NJ – February 20, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — In the economic recovery package passed on Friday, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), with the support of Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), secured $70 million in federal funding for a program to help schoolchildren uprooted by foreclosures to remain in their schools and receive educational assistance. As a result of the nationwide foreclosure crisis, potentially millions of students, including 50,000 in New Jersey, will see their families lose their homes, and many have already found themselves floating from school to school. In July, in the Housing and Economy Recovery Act, the U.S. Senate approved an amendment authored by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) that authorized funding. This funding bolsters the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education program.
“Not only do we have moral obligation to extend a helping hand to our nation’s children who are in tough situations through no fault of their own, but part of our economic recovery process is laying the groundwork for our economic future through education,” said Senator Menendez. “This is a necessary part of our response to the foreclosure crisis that has uprooted millions of families. One of the most devastating pieces of collateral damage has been the effect it can have on our nation’s children. When abruptly uprooted from schools where they’ve formed connections, they are put at risk for poor academic performance and behavioral problems. It’s unfair to let them float from one unfamiliar school to another, against the will of their parents, and through no fault of their own.”
“We are all aware of the drastic increase in homeless students as a result of the foreclosure crisis. Thankfully, Senator Menendez has been an unwavering champion for these children, ensuring that the economic recovery package addresses this issue with substantial funding,” said Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. “Senator Menendez’s push to provide resources for the Education for Homeless Children and Youth program will ensure that although children lose their homes, they will not lose their schools as well. Now more than ever, we need to provide students with those supports so that they need will grow and succeed. We are thankful that Senator Menendez has stepped up for these vulnerable children.”
“This critical funding comes at a time when schools are struggling to meet the needs of record numbers of homeless students. As a result of these dollars, we will be able to reach many more children and youth whose lives, and education, have been upended by loss of housing. The funding will provide essential services such as transportation, school supplies, enrollment assistance, and counseling. It will help make school a place of hope in the midst of the upheaval caused by the economic crisis.” Tim Stalhke, President, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
Abrupt, and in some cases frequent, changes of school can affect a child’s ability to learn and puts strain on school districts. An analysis by the group First Focus and the Brookings Institution has estimated that up to two million schoolchildren will be affected by the foreclosure crisis.
Senator Menendez has previously worked in partnership with Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) in getting funding for the program. Their previous effort have been supported by the following national organizations: Alliance for Children and Families Alliance for Excellent Education, American Humane Association, Break the Cycle. Camp Fire USA, Child Welfare League of America, Communities In Schools, First Focus, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association Secondary School Principalsm National Collaboration for Youth, National Education Association, National PTA, National School Boards Association, Public Education Network, School Social Work Association of America, The Rebecca Project for Human Rights, United Neighborhood Centers of America, Voices for America’s Children, YMCA of the USA, and YouthBuild USA.
