More than 40,000 children and youth experience homelessness in Pennsylvania, posing a significant barrier to succeed in school. In partnership with Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH), join Center for Schools and Communities staff Melissa Turnpaugh and Matthew Butensky as they interview state and national experts, homeless liaisons, service providers, and those with lived experience. These conversations will dive deeper into resources, partnerships and best practices that help these children and youth thrive in school and life. Along the way, guests will share untold stories to amplify the voices and stories of students experiencing homelessness across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Melissa Turnpaugh is a project coordinator for the American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) program for the Center for Schools and Communities (CSC). Melissa previously worked serving youth from low-income families at the Milton Hershey School and youth experiencing homelessness between the ages of 18-24 at Valley Youth House in Dauphin County.