When students experiencing homelessness receive the right support, they thrive. But to make this a reality, schools must be equipped with the tools, resources, and partnerships to address the unique challenges these students face. That’s why Building Changes, in collaboration with Clarus Research, developed the Assessment & Building Capacity Tool (ABC Tool). Designed specifically for school district McKinney-Vento liaisons—dedicated staff who identify and support students experiencing homelessness—the ABC Tool helps them develop actionable plans that help students succeed. To date, Building Changes has worked with 19 school districts across the state, as well as one charter school, to utilize the ABC Tool, and our partners report notable improvements resulting from the Tool and Building Changes’ support.
Need for Support
Homelessness creates a lot of hurdles for students to jump through. On top of the stress from being unhoused, students must meet basic needs like food and clothing and keep track of necessary documentation, like school enrollment and health records. Schools aren’t fully aware of the challenges these students face, and McKinney-Vento liaisons often face overwhelming workloads, leaving little time for proactive planning. A Washington State Auditor report in 2019 revealed that on average, school districts spend only 20 minutes per month per student experiencing homelessness.
How the ABC Tool Works
The ABC Tool addresses these challenges by offering a framework for liaisons to assess their district’s current support systems, identify areas for improvement, and implement new strategies. Building Changes supports districts by offering tailored assistance and facilitating the use of the ABC Tool, providing monthly check-ins, and offering a Menu of Strategies informed by students, families, and community partners. When available through private funding, we also provide flexible funds to district partners, supporting their strategy implementation and helping students and families with move-in costs and basic needs.
Evaluating Effectiveness
The Tool has had a significant impact on school districts supporting students experiencing homelessness. A survey of all districts and staff who received ABC Tool tailored technical assistance from Building Changes between 2021 and 2024 found that districts using the Tool reported more effective data collection, stronger collaborations with community partners, and improved identification of students experiencing homelessness. Notably, 79% of respondents said the Tool helped identify previously unrecognized students in need of support.
The survey also found that 80% of school partners saw positive change in district policies and practices, particularly for underserved students. These improvements boosted racial equity, with most districts reporting that the Tool helped them take steps to address racial equity and promote culturally responsive practices. For example, districts began providing materials in multiple languages to enhance inclusivity and representation for families.
The ABC Tool has been transformative for McKinney-Vento liaisons, helping them set goals, organize processes, and stay accountable. Nearly 90% of users report it has made them more proactive, and respondents also reported that Building Changes’ support made the Tool’s implementation more effective and meaningful.
Building a Stronger System for the Future
The ABC Tool is an essential resource, not only for assessing and improving district processes, but for transforming lives. By empowering McKinney-Vento liaisons with the right tools and tailored assistance, Building Changes helps build stronger, more effective systems to support students experiencing homelessness. As we continue to refine the Tool, we look forward to expanding its reach across the state, with the goal of ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.
Learn more: See Assessment & Building Capacity Tool: Impact and Key Learnings and New tool helps school districts strategize support for students experiencing homelessness
Building Changes would like to recognize and thank Jason Schwarz and the University of Washington (UW) College of Education Community Partners Fellows Program. A current PhD candidate at the UW College of Education, Jason joined our Research & Evaluation team as a Community Partners Fellow during the 2023-2024 academic year and contributed immensely to our evaluation of the ABC Tool.
