McKinney-Vento Services
for Homeless Students

Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Services

If your family lives…

• in a shelter
• In a park, campground, or on the beach
• in a motel/hotel
• In a car, abandoned building, or on the street
• Living with friends or relatives due to loss of housing or economic hardship
• Inadequate living conditions (without water, heat, or electricity, unsafe housing)
• Unaccompanied youth experiencing any of the situations above

…your child might be able to receive help through a federal law called the McKinney-Vento Act.  If you believe you may qualify, access our services through school or by contacting the Homeless Liaison, Mary Hill. Once a student is determined eligible, they receive services for the entire school year, even if they become permanently housed.  All information is kept confidential.

McKinney-Vento Rights and Supports

Your McKinney-Vento eligible students have the right to…

• receive a free, appropriate public education.
• enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
• enroll in the local school; or continue attending the school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference.
• receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this.
• receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children’s needs.

Resources for Support

The district can provide services for eligible students, including transportation assistance, free/reduced breakfast and lunch, school supplies, hygiene supplies, assistance with activity fees (such as field trips and extracurricular expenses), and others.

Below are some websites that may provide other helpful information and resources.

• MDE Title IX McKinney-Vento Homeless
• National Center for Homeless Education
• 211 Network is supported by the United Way and can provide help with food, housing or paying bills, and crisis support.
• Berrien Resa has a comprehensive list of services in Berrien and Cass County for clothing and diapers, early learning, family health and dental, food, housing and shelter, mental health, and more.
• Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Resource Guide
• Niles Community Schools Resource Book for Families

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