McKinney-Vento Resources for Students Experiencing Homelessness

The federal McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvement Act and Texas state law (Texas Education Code Chapter 25) protect the right for homeless children and youth to receive a free and appropriate public education.

You can enroll in school if you live:

• in a shelter (family shelter, domestic violence shelter, youth shelter, or transitional living program); in a motel, hotel, or weekly-rate housing;
• in a house or an apartment with more than one family because of economic hardship or loss;
• in an abandoned building or a car, at a campground, or on the street;
• in temporary foster care or with an adult who is not your parent or legal guardian;
• in substandard housing (no electricity, no water, and/or no heat); or
• with friends or family because you are a runaway or unaccompanied youth.

You may also:

• continue to attend the school in which you were last enrolled, even if you have moved away from that school’s attendance zone or district;
• receive transportation from your current residence back to your school of origin;
• qualify automatically for child nutrition programs (free and reduced-price lunch and other district food programs);
• participate fully in all school activities and programs for which you are eligible; and
• contact the district liaison to resolve any disputes that arise during the enrollment process.
• receive assistance with school supplies, clothing, tutoring and locating outside counseling resources.

You are encouraged to inform the district if you or your child is experiencing homelessness. District staff can share resources with you that may be able to assist you and your family.

For more information on services for homeless students, contact the school counselor.