Help for Families Experiencing Housing Challenges

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was created to ensure that all children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to a free, appropriate public education. This law helps remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic success by protecting the educational rights of students whose housing situation may be uncertain or changing.

If your family is experiencing housing transition—such as staying with others due to loss of housing, living in motels or shelters, or any other temporary arrangement—it’s important to know that your child may qualify for support under McKinney-Vento (42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq., Title VII, Subtitle B). 

Eligible students have the following rights:

• The right to stay at their current school (school of origin) or enroll in the school closest to where they are currently living
  
  

• The right to enroll in school immediately, even without school records, medical records, or proof of residency
  
  

• The right to receive a written notice of their educational rights when enrolling and at least twice more during the school year
  
  

• The right to receive transportation to and from school
  
  

• The right to receive an explanation in writing if they are denied enrollment or services
  
  

• The right to continue receiving services, such as transportation, while any disputes are being resolved
  
  

• The right to automatically receive support through Title I services, which offer additional academic support and resources
  
  

If you believe your child may qualify or would like more information, please reach out to your school's McKinney-Vento liaison Dr. Yolanda Vazquez or a school administrator. We are here to help ensure every student has access to stability, opportunity, and a sense of belonging—no matter their housing situation.

• • Educational services for which the homeless student meets eligibility criteria including services provided under Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act or similar State or local programs, educational programs for students with limited English proficiency.

Understanding Housing Insecurity: Who Qualifies for Support?

We understand that families may face difficult transitions and unexpected hardships that affect their living situations. Under federal law, students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence may qualify for support and services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the following living situations may be considered as experiencing homelessness or housing instability:

• Staying with friends or relatives due to loss of housing or financial hardship (also known as "doubled up")
  
  

• Living in motels or hotels when no other housing options are available
  
  

• Children or youth who are on their own without a parent or guardian (Unaccompanied Youth)
  
  

• Living in homes for unwed or expectant mothers because of lack of housing
  
  

• Residing in homeless shelters or domestic violence shelters
  
  

• Participating in transitional housing programs
  
  

• Living in spaces not meant for permanent housing, such as:
  
  

  • Cars, trailers (not intended as permanent homes), or campgrounds
    
    

  • Abandoned buildings or other public places not designed for people to live in
    
    

  • The streets or other outdoor spaces
    
    

• Awaiting placement in foster care
  
  

• Migratory children staying in housing that is not safe or adequate
  
  

If your family is experiencing any of these situations, please know you are not alone—and support is available. Our school team is here to help ensure your child remains connected to their education and receives the care and stability they deserve.

To learn more or receive assistance, please contact your school's McKinney-Vento liaison Dr. Yolanda Vazquez or a school administrator.

 We are here to help.