Serving Students » Homeless Education

Homeless Education

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless students as youth who "lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence." This includes various housing situations where stability and adequacy are compromised.

 

Examples of Homeless Living Situations:

  • Shared housing due to loss of housing or financial hardship.
  • Motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds used as primary residences.
  • Emergency, transitional, or domestic violence shelters.
  • Vehicles, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or transportation hubs (such as bus/train stations).
  • Unaccompanied youth and runaways.

 

Educational Rights of Homeless Students:

The McKinney-Vento Act mandates that homeless students must have equal access to education and opportunities available to other students. Key protections include:

  • School Stability: Students have the right to stay in their school of origin, even if they temporarily move outside their home district.
  • Transportation: Districts must provide transportation to and from the student’s school of origin.
  • Immediate Enrollment: Students can enroll immediately in any public school, even without typical documentation (like proof of residency or immunization records).
  • Free School Meals: Homeless students are automatically eligible for free lunch.
  • Dispute Resolution: A district-appointed homeless liaison must assist in resolving enrollment disputes and advocating for the student.

 

Through the McKinney-Vento Act all students, regardless of their housing status, receive the support needed to pursue their education and achieve academic success.

 

If you have a student that you feel would benefit from services such as: ILP, Homework Help, Mentoring or simply needs assistance with school supplies, backpacks, clothing, hygiene products, food please utilize our Outreach Referral Form and staff will contact the student/family directly.

The STAR Center is a safe space for foster, homeless and At-Risk Youth to drop in and receive additional services such as tutoring, mentoring and community resources. Striving Together means listening to the needs of the community and the individual needs of the youth to provide support and resources that fit their needs.
The Independent Living Program (ILP) assists current and former foster youth, homeless youth and at-risk student (14-21) to achieve self-sufficiency prior to reaching gaining their independence and living on their own.
The STAR Center offers tutoring and a quiet place to do your homework on Monday/Wednesday from 3-5pm. In addition, we offer post-secondary support for students who need assistance with the FAFSA.
The STAR Center offers 1:1 mentoring to all students by referral or appointment.