Policy Matters

“This Hits Close to Home”: Advocate Shines Light on Hidden Student Homelessness

Brandy Sincyr, Homeless Student Advocate and Program Assistant at Columbia Legal Services, recently created a report that highlights state data showing that schools are under-identifying students experiencing homelessness. Photo courtesy Columbia Legal Services.
Brandy Sincyr, Homeless Student Advocate and Program Assistant at Columbia Legal Services, recently created a report that highlights state data showing that schools are under-identifying students experiencing homelessness. Photo courtesy Columbia Legal Services.
In the 2011-2012 school year, more than 14,000 Washington students experienced homelessness without their schools knowing. This means they didn't get the resources and protections that are available to all homeless students. Brandy Sincyr, a homeless student advocate and program assistant at Columbia Legal Services, shares a personal story that illustrates why it is so important to close the gap in identifying homeless students.

“I Had Nothing”: Mother Forced to Choose Between Abuse and Homelessness

In the newest StoryCorps "Finding Our Way" story, Jordan Hedgecock (left) tells Tanya Mettlen from Catholic Community Services about facing homelessness after leaving an abusive relationship. Image credit: StoryCorps.
In the newest StoryCorps "Finding Our Way" story, Jordan Hedgecock (left) tells Tanya Mettlen from Catholic Community Services about facing homelessness after leaving an abusive relationship. Image credit: StoryCorps.
With only $4 cash and no access to her bank account or credit cards, Jordan Hedgecock strapped her children in their carseats and fled an abusive partner. Hear about their experience with homelessness, read how their story fits into the larger context of domestic violence and homelessness in our state, and learn what you can do today to help ensure that all families have the opportunity to live in safe, healthy, affordable homes.

Infographic: How the Housing Trust Fund Helps End Homelessness

The Housing Trust Fund is our state's best tool for creating and maintaining affordable housing. A couple of years ago, we teamed up with the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance to create an infographic explaining how the fund works. The graphic was such a good way to break down a complex issue that we decided to update it and bring it back this year! Check out version 2.0, and encourage your lawmakers to invest in affordable homes through the Housing Trust Fund.

The Voices Behind the Numbers

In the newest StoryCorps "Finding Our Way" story, Taylor Henson tells his friend Chelsea Lindquist about his family's experience with homelessness. Voices like Taylor's motivate our staff to advocate for policies that will help end homelessness.
In the newest StoryCorps "Finding Our Way" story, Taylor Henson tells his friend Chelsea Lindquist about his family's experience with homelessness. Voices like Taylor's motivate our staff to advocate for policies that will help end homelessness.
32,494. That’s the number of homeless students in Washington. Taylor Henson is the voice. After Taylor’s mom left the military, their family ended up homeless. Listen to Taylor describe the stress and depression that he faced as a homeless student, and the life-changing joy that he found in photography. Then read what you can do to help create opportunities for families to live in safe, affordable homes.
  1. 1
  2. …
  3. 4
  4. 5
  5. 6
  6. 7
  7. 8
  8. …
  9. 12