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: Nicole Nesbitt, School Counseling Program Specialist
Email: [email protected]
School Phone number: 818-438-5415
View Homeless Policy


Below you’ll find links to resources for students and families:

Written By:
Abi Lawrence