(Des Moines, IA) -- The state of Iowa is using federal dollars to serve school districts in areas impacted by recent severe weather. The Iowa Department of Education is announcing more than $300-thousand dollars in emergency grant funding. The funds are to support districts serving students whose families were displaced by the severe weather. Applications will be taken thru the end of the month.
"The Emergency Grants to Serve Students Experiencing Homelessness program will help remove barriers faced by students who are displaced or experiencing homelessness, including short-term housing, transportation to school, and basic needs like food, clothing, and wellness items,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “The Department will continue to support local education leaders in disaster-impacted communities as they reinforce student success and safely welcome students, families, and teachers back to school.”
Districts eligible for the Emergency Grants to Serve Students Experiencing Homelessness program must be located in a county that was included in a disaster emergency proclamation issued by Gov. Kim Reynolds between April 26, 2024, and June 28, 2024. In addition, 25 percent or more of the school community must be impacted by the weather-related disaster outlined in one of the proclamations, and 10 percent or more of the school community must be displaced or facing homelessness due to the weather-related disaster.
Applications for the Emergency Grants to Serve Students Experiencing Homelessness program will be accepted in IowaGrants.gov thru July 31.
Funds for the Emergency Grants to Serve Students Experiencing Homelessness program are provided through the Iowa Department of Education’s portion of state set-aside funds through the American Rescue Plan - Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) to support the specific needs of children and youth facing homelessness in attending school and fully participating in school activities.