Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District highlights tenant-based rental assistance program’s role in housing homeless families
Summary
District officials outlined the history and outcomes of a tenant-based rental assistance program (TBRA) that has housed families connected to McKinney‑Vento services, reported improved attendance and promotion rates, and described $500,000 in new funding to expand services in Santa Rosa County.
Superintendent Dr. Barber and federal-programs director Dana Fleming briefed the Santa Rosa County School Board on the district’s tenant-based rental assistance program, describing it as a targeted effort to stabilize housing for students who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.
The presentation traced the program’s origin to a 2016 Florida Housing Finance Corporation pilot and a 2018 board approval of a memorandum of understanding with the Milton Housing Authority, Fleming said. ‘‘The goal is to provide housing stability for 12 months to help students reach academic success, to increase family engagement in schools, and to facilitate housing to help families increase income,’’ Fleming said.
Fleming gave year‑one results from the initial demonstration and later implementation: 22 families housed, two families receiving vouchers, and 63 students across pre‑K–12 who were served in 2017–18. She said 100% of those students were promoted that year and 87% received A‑, B‑ or C‑level grades in the first nine‑week report period; roughly 90% maintained regular attendance. Fleming also said the program helped several adults secure better employment and enabled family reunifications.
Fleming explained current funding and eligibility: Florida Housing awarded $500,000 to Santa Rosa to restart or expand TBRA; the program serves families of students who qualify for McKinney‑Vento supports (students who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence). Services include case management, intake, lease‑compliance support, and a family sustainability plan at exit. Fleming said partners include the Milton Housing Authority and community groups that provide furniture and move‑in assistance.
Board members asked about challenges. Fleming said staff identified affordable housing shortages (which led to two expired vouchers), acclimation challenges for families moving into new neighborhoods and volunteer shortfalls for moving assistance. Fleming said the district uses federal homeless-education set‑aside funds and other grant dollars to support case management and that Hope Church and other community partners supply nonfinancial supports.
The superintendent and board members framed TBRA as a tool to improve attendance and educational continuity for children experiencing homelessness. Fleming closed with several success stories—single parents who obtained stable housing, increased work hours and improved school attendance for their children—then offered pamphlets and contact information for district staff handling referrals.
The board did not take any formal vote on the program at the meeting; Fleming asked the board to continue support for outreach and coordination with partners so more eligible families can be served.
