Homeless Youth Education Services
Are you currently living in a shelter, living in a motel, or living doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship? The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act can assist homeless youth and families.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act
The McKinney-Vento act is a federal law to ensure school stability for children and youth in transition. Eligible children and youth are those lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
If you or your family are eligible, you may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. Every school district is required by law to have a McKinney-Vento liaison. If you know your school district, please contact them and ask to speak to the McKinney-Vento homeless liaison.
Resources
Contact the Genesee County Housing Resource Center. They help individuals and families in Genesee County who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or facing eviction.
Call 2-1-1 for community referrals, 24 hours a day, or visit the 2-1-1 website.
Call (810) 591-KIDS for free preschool opportunities for children ages 3 to 5 years old or visit the 591-KIDS website.
Contact REACH and Traverse Place at (810) 233-8700. They provide refuge for children, teens, and families in crisis 24 hours/7 days a week. Human services including shelter, safety, and counseling are also available.
The National Center for Homeless Education is a technical assistance and information center for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program.
Eligible Students' Rights
Once a student's eligibility for McKinney-Vento services is determined, they may be able to receive the following:
- Immediate enrollment, even if lacking documents normally required such as birth certificates
- Enrollment in the local school district of residence or in the school of origin (the school last attended when permanently housed or last enrolled in).
- Transportation services to and from school.
- Free breakfast and lunch program.
- Supplemental services deemed necessary to ensure school stability.
Public preschools are now included as a school or origin, however you McKinney-Vento liaison may discuss with you what's in your child's best interest. Unaccompanied youth, not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian may be eligible for McKinney-Vento rights and services. To find out if you qualify, contact your district liaison.
For More Information
Please visit the Genesee County School Directory to contact your local school district's McKinney-Vento liaison directly. Lapeer County residents can find more information in the Lapeer Countywide Directory.
For more information email Cheryl Zapfe, McKinney-Vento Program Specialist or call (810) 591-5131.
Additional information regarding McKinney-Vento Homeless Education can also be found on the Michigan Department of Education website.