NLIHC state partner Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky secured two legislative victories in late-March. The state legislature passed a bill (HB378) that establishes two provisions for youth experiencing homelessness (as defined by the Department of Education): the law allows for an educational coursework completion alternative for students experiencing homelessness and stipulates that homeless individuals under the age of 25 do not have to pay a fee to get copies of their birth certificates, which they use to access services. Additionally, the state legislature established an Affordable Housing Caucus in both chambers, consisting of leaders and members from both parties to address the serious shortage of affordable housing in the state.
“A cross-sector coalition of child welfare advocates, school-based McKinney-Vento liaisons, and homeless service providers came together under the guidance of SchoolHouse Connection to advance this legislation,” stated Adrienne Bush, executive director of the Homeless and Housing Coalition. “We are grateful for the leadership of House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade and House Minority Whip Joni Jenkins, House and Senate leadership, and Governor Matt Bevin for ensuring these protections for youth experiencing homelessness are now law in Kentucky.