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Homeless Assistance

McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act is a program designed to assist students and families who have been identified as experiencing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Act defines “homeless children and youth” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This act offers services to students to help in their time of transition and need and aims to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll and succeed in school.

Each family and student situation is different and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Do you know a student who is...

  • Staying in an emergency/transitional shelter, or waiting for foster care placement
  • Doubled up with friends or relatives because of loss of housing or as a result of economic hardship
  • Living in a car, park, campground, public space, substandard housing
  • In a motel/hotel due to loss of housing, economic hardship
  • Unaccompanied Youth/Runaway
  • In another location that is not appropriate for living, such as an abandoned building

They have a right to...

  • Get help with enrolling in school from the district liaison or other school contacts to continue academic success (even if missing some enrollment documents)
  • Continue in the school they attended (referred to as the school of origin) before they became homeless or the school they last attended, if that is the parent’s choice and is feasible
  • Get transportation to and from school of origin
  • Receive free school meals and financial support with school-related costs and fees
  • Receive additional services they qualify for within the school district

For further information, please contact:

Sarah Danielson

Sarah Danielson

Executive Director of Student Learning and Family Engagement, McKinney-Vento Liaison, Title I, Title II, LAP, ELL
Work: (425) 335-1500 ext. 1589