Homeless Assistance

Who to contact

If you have a student who may qualify for McKinney-Vento services, or if you need more information, please contact Jesus Villegas, McKinney-Vento Liaison at jvillega@cloverpark.k12.wa.us, 253-583-5156 or 253-583-5154.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was reauthorized in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act. The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Act is to remove barriers to education of students experiencing homelessness and provide educational stability.

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students have the right to remain in attendance at the school they were going to when they were last permanently housed. This is known as their "school of origin." Clover Park School District will do everything possible to ensure that students have the ability to remain in their school of origin, and to succeed academically. The district will provide transportation assistance and free meals for all eligible homeless students. Other academic assistance, including school supplies and clothing, are also available.

McKinney-Vento Act of 1986

Who is considered McKinney–Vento eligible?

Any child or youth who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence is considered homeless, including those who are temporarily sharing housing with others due to loss of housing or economic hardship. This includes children and youth, or unaccompanied homeless youth who are living in hotels; camping grounds; emergency shelters; cars; bus or train stations, or other similar settings; and transitional housing programs which are temporary and for which the family is required to meet other specific requirements in order to stay in the transitional housing program. To see if your child is eligible, call 253-583-5156.

What are the educational rights of homeless children and youth?

Clover Park schools provide equal and comparable access to all students regardless of their home living situation. McKinney-Vento eligible children and youth have specific rights, including the right to:

  • Maintain attendance at the school of origin (if in the child's best interest), or enroll in the local school where currently residing;
  • Receive assistance with transportation to school of origin;
  • Become eligible for free meals;
  • Receive assistance obtaining needed records and documentation;
  • Receive support services and programs for which they are eligible, such as gifted education, children with disabilities, vocational education, and preschool;
  • Receive academic assistance through the district's federally funded Title I program;
  • Have parent or guardian involvement in school activities; and
  • Maintain enrollment in the school of origin for the remainder of the school year (with transportation assistance, if needed).

If you have a student/child who may qualify for McKinney-Vento services or would like more information, please contact Jesus Villegas, McKinney-Vento Liaison at 253-583-5156 or 253-583-5154 jvillega@cloverpark.k12.wa.us.

Resources

Links

Cellphone Lifeline and other free cell programs for eligible applicants

https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/3499/Cellphone-Lifeline-Program

Low Income Housing in Pierce County

https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/546/Low-Income-Housing---In-Pierce-County

Emergency Food Network

https://www.efoodnet.org/resources/

ChildCare Aware of Washington State

https://childcareawarewa.org/families/

Metropolitan Development Council – Several resources for low income and homeless families in Tacoma and Pierce County.

https://mdc-hope.org/

Need A Break Services – a non-profit faith-based foundation that helps provide services through home repairs, vehicle repairs, and other gifts for eligible individuals.

http://www.needabreak.org/

DSHS Emergency Programs

https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/emergency-programs

Sea Mar Community Health – Healthcare for homeless individuals and families.

https://www.seamar.org/pierce-medical-tacoma-homeless.html

Free and charitable health clinics

https://www.wahealthcareaccessalliance.org/free-clinics

WA State Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/low-income-home-energy-assistance/

Associated Ministries – resources and referrals for homeless individuals and families. Must contact Coordinate Entry (253) 682-3401 to access most community shelters and housing services.

https://associatedministries.org/

Family Renewal Shelter – for victims of domestic violence.

http://domesticviolencehelp.org/

Pierce County Housing Authority

http://www.pchawa.org/

Pierce County Alliance, Youth Services – Foster care and independent living programs.

http://piercecountyalliance.org/youth-services/

WA State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction – Education of Homeless Children and Youth – Guidance and requirements for McKinney Vento and the education of homeless children.

http://www.k12.wa.us/HomelessEd/default.aspx

WA State Office of the Education Ombudsman – Supports schools and families in resolving concerns, provides information and training.

https://oeo.wa.gov/

Schoolhouse Connection – National non-profit organization which provides training and advocacy for students experiencing homelessness and/or in foster care.

https://www.schoolhouseconnection.org

The Coffee Oasis – Youth shelter, ages 16-20

https://thecoffeeoasis.com/hopehomes/youth-shelter/

Schoolhouse Washington – A project of Building Changes, Schoolhouse Washington communicates the urgency of student homelessness to practitioners, policymakers and the public by analyzing data, sharing best practices, and engaging in advocacy.

https://schoolhousewa.org/

Publications