Homeless Student Stability Program
Students should be focused on their studies, not where they’re going to sleep at night.
The Homeless Student Stability Program (HSSP) was created with a simple but urgent belief: every student deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed without the constant worry of housing instability. In Washington state, more than 42,000 students experience homelessness each year—most of them youth of color, who already face barriers to educational opportunity. Without stable housing, these students are more likely to fall behind in school, face mental health challenges, and lose hope for their future. HSSP tackles this crisis head-on by connecting schools and housing providers to identify students in need, coordinate wraparound support, and provide flexible housing assistance that addresses each family’s unique situation.
Making a difference
Since its launch in 2016, HSSP has made a powerful impact. In the most recent year, school district grants reached over 13,000 students, while housing organization partners helped nearly 2,000 individuals, with 60% of participating households increasing their housing stability.
Behind these numbers are life-changing stories—a student who, after losing their home and missing school, was able to stay in a hotel, get transportation to class, and eventually move into permanent housing; a family who could cover move-in costs and utilities thanks to flexible funds. HSSP proves that when schools and communities work together, we can break down barriers, keep students connected to education, and open the door to a more stable and hopeful future.
2022 – 2025 Grantees
HSSP is an ongoing Building Changes project, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Office of Homeless Youth (OHY) and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.