Who is considered homeless?
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This definition also includes:
- Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
- Children and youth who may be living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, shelters.
- Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
- Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings, or
- Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are children who are living in similar circumstances listed above.
If a student qualifies as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act, they have the right to:
- Immediate enrollment in school without the required documents, birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency.
- Remain at their school of origin if in the best interest of the child.
- Transportation support.
- Free and reduced lunch.
- Support from homeless liaison.
- Participate in all school activities.
Parent/Guardian responsibilities are to:
- Make sure student arrives to school on time and ready to learn.
- Stay informed of school rules, regulations, and activities.
- Contact the homeless liaison for assistance in removing barriers to student’s education.
- Attend student-school conferences, Back-to-School Nights, and other school-related activities.
Contact Information
Homeless Liaison:
Name: Talisa Hail, School Counselor
Email: [email protected]
School Phone number: 805-486-5449
View Homeless Policy
Below you’ll find links to resources for students and families:
