Homeless Resources/McKinney-Vento Services

Title IX-A (McKinney-Vento Act) – Homeless Education & Services

The McKinney-Vento (formerly Title X) Homeless Program does not just serve families living in shelters or cars, but all students who do not have a fixed, regular & adequate living situation.

Program Description

The McKinney-Vento Act’s Education of Homeless Children and Youth Program, ensures that homeless children and youth are provided a free, appropriate public education, despite lack of a fixed place of residence or a supervising parent or guardian. The state public school admission statute assuring the right of homeless and other children and youth in similar circumstances to enroll in schools is ORS 339.115(7). [1]

You may qualify for certain rights and protection under the federal McKinney-Vento Act

If you know of students or families who are:

Staying with relatives or friends because they lost their own housing
In inadequate conditions (not all utilities turned on, overcrowded, etc)
Living in a garage, basement, or other space not designed for sleeping
Youth living on their own without a parent or legal guardian
Living in an RV, car, tent, or on the street
In a shelter or transitional housing
In a motel
Couch surfing from place to place

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 their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is their preference and is feasible.
- If the school district believes that the school selected is not in his/her best interest, then district must provide the student with a written explanation of its position and inform the student of his/her right to appeal its decision.
Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students. Possible list of services include:
- Backpack
- Clothing/Coat/Shoes
- School Supplies
- Hygiene Supplies
- Transportation
- School Lunch
- Cap & Gown
- FAFSA letter
- Afterschool Care
- Credit Retrieval or College Fees

If you believe you may be eligible, contact your school office and ask for the Student Wellness Specialist to find out what services and supports may be available.