On Tuesday, October 29th, Philadelphia City Council’s Education Committee and the School District of Philadelphia hosted a press conference at City Hall announcing the allocation of $2.36 million in funding to support students experiencing homelessness. This is an incredible advancement for Valley Youth House and our mission to help young people achieve stability. With over 10,000 school-aged young people facing housing instability in Philadelphia, these funds are crucial in ensuring students can remain engaged in school and can focus on thriving, not just surviving. 

This decision was in direct response to advocacy work throughout this past year highlighting the importance of renewing and increasing this funding, and a hearing that was held earlier this summer, hosted by Councilman Isaiah Thomas, Chair of the Philadelphia City Council Education Committee, in which Valley Youth House program staff and youth who directly benefited from Valley Youth House Synergy in Schools programming testified. Quadirah Locus, Valley Youth House Synergy in Schools Supervisor, captured the significance of this decision, noting that these resources allow students to “stay in school and focus on their education” rather than on immediate survival.

Valley Youth House’s programs play an essential role in bridging the gap between crisis and stability. Through case management, housing assistance, and personalized guidance, we help young people overcome obstacles to their education and well-being. Our services go beyond meeting basic needs, empowering youth to build life skills and emotional resilience, navigate complex systems, and ultimately work toward a brighter future. By offering a sense of stability, security, and community, we’re helping youth find the foundation they need to thrive, even in the face of significant challenges.

While this allocation provides a much-needed lifeline through June 2025, the reality is that these resources are temporary.

Valley Youth House remains committed to advocating for sustainable, long-term funding to secure ongoing support. Young people experiencing homelessness deserve more than short-term fixes; they need consistent access to housing, educational resources, and compassionate mentors to fully develop their potential and grow into strong, successful adults. This commitment to their futures is at the heart of Valley Youth House’s mission, and with continued support, we will keep working toward building a stronger city where all young people have a safe place to call home and the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond.

For more on the recent funding and its impact, check out the below resources: 

• https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-school-district-homeless-student-funding-20241029.html
• https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/homeless-students-philadelphia-funding/4012756/
• https://www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia/2024/10/29/school-district-city-council-extend-funding-for-youth-homelessness/
• https://metrophiladelphia.com/board-of-education-funding-homeless-students/