Building Changes

A major step forward for students in Washington 🎉🏫

SHB 2594 has officially been signed into law! This legislation codifies McKinney-Vento protections in Washington, helping ensure students experiencing homelessness can stay in their school, maintain stability, and access the support they need to succeed.

This work began last summer, when Building Changes brought partners together to respond to growing threats to federal McKinney-Vento funding and chart a path forward here in Washington. With leadership from Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos and bill sponsor Rep. Kristine Reeves along with strong collaboration across advocates and policymakers, this effort gained momentum and delivered real results.

Building Changes was proud to help lead this effort alongside partners and advocates across the state. This moment reflects the power of coalition-building and community voice with hundreds of advocates speaking up, sharing their experiences, and pushing for a system that better supports children, youth, and families. Thank you to everyone who joined us in standing up for students and helping make this progress possible.

⏰ Time is running out! The Senate must schedule SHB 2594 for a vote by 5PM today. Please take action NOW. Contact your state senator and urge them to schedule SHB 2594 for a vote. Our students cannot wait.

Contact your Senator: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/

More than 40,000 students in Washington are experiencing homelessness. They deserve stability, support, and the opportunity to succeed in school.

SHB 2594 is a simple, bipartisan step that would help make that possible. The bill passed the House 94–1 and would codify the federal McKinney-Vento Act into Washington law, helping ensure students experiencing homelessness can stay in their school, maintain relationships, and rely on trusted support during times of instability.

This bill reflects our shared values of stability, opportunity, and care for young people. It also improves transparency and coordination so our state can better understand and respond to student homelessness.

Washington State Legislature District Finder Enter your full address to find your legislative or congressional district. Address* e.g. 1234 Any St, Olympia, WA 98501 Apt/Ste/Unit Map District Type: Legislative Congressional