What is the McKinney-Vento Assistance Act?
The McKinney-Vento Assistance Act is a federal policy that ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education. The term homeless children and youths is defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and includes:
Children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals.
Children and youths 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 youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
Migratory children (as defined in section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended) who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.
An unaccompanied youth, not in the physical custody of a parent or court-appointed guardian. This includes young people who have run away, have been forced to leave their homes, or whose parents have left the area and the student is alone.
What kind of assistance is available for children/youth experiencing homelessness?
Free school supplies, including backpacks
Free school breakfast and lunch
Immediate enrollment in the local school where they are currently staying
Remain in your school of origin (the one you attended before losing housing)
Transportation to the school of origin for the regular school day
Assistance in accessing community based resources
How do I access McKinney-Vento Services?
Complete this Student Residency Questionnaire, or call the GMRSD Homeless Liaison, Dianne Ellis at (413) 863-7513, or Kristin Dietz, Director of Pupil Services at (413) 863-4001.
For additional resources, see this Local Resources for Families Guide.