Firesteel Blog

Homelessness and Poverty in the Public Education System: An Intro to Our Blog Series

Children know when they are falling behind academically. As they continue to struggle, they can develop both low self esteem and a dislike of school. That is why it is so essential that children who need extra help get it. Image from pixabay.com.
Children know when they are falling behind academically. As they continue to struggle, they can develop both low self esteem and a dislike of school. That is why it is so essential that children who need extra help get it. Image from pixabay.com.
As the new school year starts, teachers face many challenges. So do children who are dealing with homelessness and poverty. And this couldn’t be truer than for impoverished children who are also in need of special education services. Adults who work with children in poverty and homelessness need to understand how this environment influences academic skill and emotional development, and how it relates to special education needs. That's why we're launching this series by Perry Firth on how homelessness and poverty affect the development of children, and how this can show up in the education system.

Should Homelessness Be a Crime? Our State Grapples With Its Answer.

The Western Regional Advocacy Project's multi-state Homeless Bill of Rights campaign aims to guarantee equal protection for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Image credit: Art Hazelwood via WRAP.
The Western Regional Advocacy Project's multi-state Homeless Bill of Rights campaign aims to guarantee equal protection for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Image credit: Art Hazelwood via WRAP.
Seattle University law professor Sara Rankin shares statistics about the criminalization of homelessness and invites you to join a statewide conversation about it.

As Heard on NPR: Homelessness Threatens Student Success

In a StoryCorps conversation that aired on NPR this morning, Erika (left) talks with her mom about attending high school while living in a car. Image from StoryCorps.
In a StoryCorps conversation that aired on NPR this morning, Erika (left) talks with her mom about attending high school while living in a car. Image from StoryCorps.
More than 30,000 schoolchildren in Washington state are experiencing homelessness. In a heart-wrenching story that aired on NPR this morning, one of these students, Erika, talks about the challenges of attending high school while living in a car with her family.

StoryCorps Recordings Bring Laughter, Tears, and Inspiration

StoryCorps facilitator Jill sets up microphones for Gina (left) and Argelia. When Gina experienced homelessness, Argelia was her case manager. Now Gina is a service provider with the YWCA, and Argelia is her supervisor.
StoryCorps facilitator Jill sets up microphones for Gina (left) and Argelia. When Gina experienced homelessness, Argelia was her case manager. Now Gina is a service provider with the YWCA, and Argelia is her supervisor.
Our advocacy coordinator reflects on uplifting moments at the "Finding Our Way" recordings in Lynnwood.

Introducing the New Firesteel Website!

Denise Miller (left) and Erin Murphy show off the mobile-friendliness of the new Firesteel website. Image by Stephanie Heffner.
Denise Miller (left) and Erin Murphy show off the mobile-friendliness of the new Firesteel website. Image by Stephanie Heffner.
We're thrilled to welcome you to the new Firesteel website! In this post we highlight some of our favorite features of the site, including its mobile-friendliness, improved navigation, and expanded advocate resources.
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