McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to a free, appropriate public education.

Who Qualifies

Students may qualify for services under McKinney-Vento if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include children or youth who are:

• Living with friends or relatives due to loss of housing or economic hardship (“doubling up”)

• Staying in shelters, transitional housing, or domestic violence shelters

• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds because they have nowhere else to go

• Sleeping in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus stations, or other public places

• Living in substandard housing without basic utilities

• Unaccompanied youth living on their own without a parent or guardian

Educational Rights for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Eligible students have the right to:

• Immediate school enrollment, even if documents such as proof of residency, immunization records, or school records are unavailable

• Attend their school of origin (the school they attended before becoming homeless or the last school attended), if it is in the student’s best interest

• Transportation assistance to remain in the school of origin when feasible

• Free school meals

• Access to the same educational services as other students, including:

  • Special education

  • English learner services

  • School counseling

  • Gifted and talented programs

  • Extracurricular activities

If Your Family Needs Help

If your family is experiencing housing instability or homelessness, please contact Amanda Norkoli, North Central Area Schools McKinney-Vento Liaison, at 906-497-5226 ext 213 for assistance. 

McKinney-Vento Information Sheet