1. What Does It Mean for PPS to Become a "Supportive Housing Provider"?

Under this concept, PPS would enter into an agreement or policy change that officially labels the district as a recognized provider of supportive housing services. That status usually belongs to housing nonprofits or local government agencies, but PPS would argue that any program assisting homeless or marginally housed students falls under "supportive housing."

2. Why Would PPS Even Want This Status?

Because hundreds of PPS students experience homelessness or housing instability every year. If PPS is formally recognized, it can use local supportive housing funds (e.g., Metro's Supportive Housing Services measure money going unused) to create and expand programs — from transitional housing on unused school property to direct rental stipends for student families.

3. Is That Even Allowed Under Current Measure Language?

Typically, the county or Metro sets the rules about who qualifies as a housing provider. The measure's text might say "X type of organization" qualifies. PPS would argue:

1. We serve the same population these funds are meant to help.

2. We have a legal obligation (under laws like the McKinney-Vento Act) to support homeless students.

If the county or Metro tries to exclude PPS, the district can challenge them or propose an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) clarifying PPS's role.

4. Aren't There Legal or Policy Hurdles?

Who cares? Do it. The county or Metro might claim the measure never intended for schools to be direct grantees. PPS could respond:

• "We are recognized as a key partner under federal homeless-student legislation (McKinney-Vento)."

• "You're ignoring homeless kids who are entitled to these resources."

5. What Would Implementation Actually Look Like?

1. Board Resolution: The PPS Board declares its intent to become a recognized "supportive housing services" partner, citing student homelessness data.

2. IGA with County/Metro: PPS attorneys and leadership work out legal language, making PPS a sub-grantee or direct provider and ensuring a share of the supportive housing budget flows to district programs.

3. PR & Legal Pressure: If the county resists, PPS may threaten legal action or a public campaign highlighting that "local housing funds exclude our most vulnerable kids."

6. What Could PPS Do With the Funds?

• Renovate or Repurpose Unused School Property: Turn an unused facility into transitional housing for families of PPS students.

• Hire Housing Liaisons: Staff positions dedicated to helping homeless families find stable living situations.

• Offer Rental Vouchers or Stipends: Direct financial assistance to families struggling to maintain housing, ensuring kids stay enrolled without constant disruption.

7. Are There Any Precedents for This?

In a roundabout way, yes: Some states leverage federal McKinney-Vento grants to ensure schools play a central role in addressing student homelessness. PPS would use this same logic but apply it to Portland's local supportive housing funds—an uncommon but not impossible step.

8. What are the key actions that PPS will take?

1. Draft a Board Resolution: Declare that PPS intends to become a recognized SHS provider.

2. Pursue an IGA: Work with (or push) county/Metro officials to formalize PPS's eligibility.

3. Prepare a Backup Plan: If the county refuses, PPS can threaten a lawsuit or orchestrate a major PR blitz, framing county inaction as neglecting homeless children.

4. Implement Real Housing Programs: Once recognized, channel funds into transitional housing units, direct aid to families, or expand staff roles dedicated to stabilizing student housing.