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Become an Ally Partner for DC Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

As an initiative for Homeless Awareness Month in November 2017, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE's) Homeless Education Program (HEP) expanded awareness and support for youth experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia by establishing the Ally Partner Program. Ally Partners are school-based employees who identify themselves as individuals to whom students experiencing homelessness can go to for help, without worrying about stigma or embarrassment. Ally Partners will collaborate with LEA and school-based homeless liaisons to ensure that McKinney-Vento guidelines are adhered to and protect the privacy of the student’s residency status.

In an effort to expand support and awareness for youth and families experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia, OSSE’s Homeless Education Program has established the Ally Partner Program. Through the program, interested adults in local educational agencies, community-based organizations, and District of Columbia agencies assisting families and youth experiencing transitions in housing will receive training on how to become a trusted point of contact for students experiencing homelessness. Allies are adults who identify themselves as individuals to whom students can go for help, without worrying about stigma or embarrassment.

This is the fifth year of the program awareness model to recruit other caring adults to serve in this important role. Once allies are trained and certified, you will receive an Ally Partner Program certificate in addition to Ally Partner buttons, posters, stickers, and the District of Columbia community resource directory to assist LEAs and their homeless liaisons.

To qualify to serve as an Ally Partner for the 2023-24 school year, one must:

  • Request a commitment letter from OSSE’s Homeless Education Program to be completed and returned via email to Tasheen Stallings at [email protected].
  • Be an OSSE employee, an LEA/school-based employee, or a community partner in the District who is passionate about the success of children and youth experiencing homelessness;
  • Be willing to commit to serving in the role until July 31, 2024);
  • Be willing to have your name and contact info available for public reference on OSSE’s Homeless Education Program webpage under vetted Ally Partners;
  • Be willing to display stickers/signs/posters to identify as an Ally Partner where students experiencing homelessness can confide and seek out resources; and
  • Complete two trainings to become certified:

After completing the OSSE Ally Partner Training and NCHE webinar, you will receive an Ally Partner Program Certificate from OSSE’s Homeless Education Program to certify that you have completed the requirements to be recognized as an Ally Partner for the 2023-24 school year.