The Seen and Supported Initiative is taking urgent action to meet the critical needs of students and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity—within our schools, our neighborhoods, and our community—so no student is left behind.

Students facing housing insecurity or homelessness are at a significantly higher risk of falling behind their peers.

With the belief that education systems should be evaluated by their ability to serve their most vulnerable populations, Seen and Supported is focused on meeting the needs of the growing number of students impacted by this pressing crisis. Our intentional collaboration is strengthening family engagement and connecting our students with vital services to thrive.

Who We Are

Seen and Supported is a project of Los Angeles Coalition for Excellent Public Schools (LACEPS), a group of high performing public charter schools. Over 150,000 students in LA depend on the high-quality education provided by charters, and LACEPS convenes 9 of the leading nonprofit charter networks to collaborate and collectively advocate for policies that empower our schools and families.

Where We’re Leading

Within Our Schools: “Seen and Supported” fosters collaboration among school staff, counselors, and faculty, breaking down silos to share best practices and implement new tools. This intentional collaboration will connect families with vital services like food/nutrition, counseling, tutoring, mentorship, and more.

Within Our Neighborhoods: By partnering schools directly with essential resources, “Seen and Supported” will turn campuses into structural supports for families in crisis.

Within Our Community: LACEPS leaders are advocating for policy reforms that address the unique challenges of students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, working with community partners to secure long-term solutions for student and family stability.

Let’s build a new chapter focused on sharing best practices, tackling challenges collectively, and driving quality and equity. Whether district or charter models, we must collaborate more effectively to better support our most vulnerable students and families.

  • We are committed to forging strong partnerships to address the toughest challenges in education, including special education, homelessness, and other critical issues. By working together, we can create solutions that are both scalable and sustainable, ensuring no student is left behind.

  • It’s time to reach beyond surface-level cooperation to form meaningful shared goals through collaborative summits, focused working groups, and structured efforts to achieve real change.

How We’re Meeting Student Needs

  • Housing insecurity creates profound barriers to student learning and well-being, affecting not just academic success but also emotional and physical health. Seen and Supported is a laudable coalition of educators who I applaud for their commitment to helping ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstance.

    Jennifer Kottke, Homeless Education Project Director at the Los Angeles County Office of Education

  • As busy school leaders, collaboration and breaking down silos are essential to effectively supporting students and families, especially those experiencing potentially debilitating challenges like housing instability and homelessness. By working together, we can strengthen the safety net all our families need, ensuring no student goes unseen at school or in their classroom

    Pablo Cesar Villavicencio, CEO of Alliance College-Ready Public Schools and LACEPS Board Member

  • Addressing the root causes of housing insecurity requires bold changes – ensuring we provide families with lasting stability and opportunity. We must advocate for solutions that foster a more just and equitable society for all Angelenos, ensuring every child has the foundation they need to succeed in school, contribute to their communities, and reach their full potential.

    Joni Angel, LACEPS Executive Director

About

Seen and Supported is a project of Los Angeles Coalition for Excellent Public Schools (LACEPS), a group of high performing public charter schools. Over 50,000 students in LA depend on the high-quality education provided by charters in our coalition, and LACEPS convenes 9 of the leading nonprofit charter networks to collaborate and collectively advocate for policies that empower our schools and families. Our collaborative approach drives lasting impact, ensuring every student and family is seen, valued, and supported.