Homeless Assistance

Homeless Assistance

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was authorized by Congress in December 2001, as part of the No Child Left Behind Legislation. The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Act is to remove barriers to education for homeless/transitional students 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. Tutoring and 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 who are living in hotels; camping grounds; emergency shelters; cars; bus or train stations, or other similar settings; unaccompanied youth; transitional housing programs and children in foster or temporary placements. If you are not sure if a child qualifies, call 253-583-5157.

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 this is in the child's best interest), or enroll in the local school where currently residing;
  • Receive assistance with transportation;
  • 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 current school 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 by email Jesus Villegas, McKinney-Vento Coordinator or call 253-583-5156  or email Melissa Ford, McKinney-Vento Case Manager or call 253-583-5157. 

Who to contact

If you have a student who may qualify for McKinney-Vento services, or if you need more information, please contact email Jesus Villegas, McKinney-Vento Coordinator, call 253-583-5156 or Melissa Ford, McKinney-Vento Case Manager, call 253-583-5157.

Resources

 

Cellphone Lifeline and other free cell programs for eligible applicants

Lifeline phone services | Washington State Health Care Authority

Low Income Housing in Pierce County

Housing Assistance and Programs | Pierce County, WA - Official Website (piercecountywa.gov)

Emergency Food Network

Emergency Food Network – … so that no person goes hungry. (efoodnet.org)

ChildCare Aware of Washington State

Families - Child Care Aware WA

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

Home - MDC (mdc-hope.org)

DSHS Emergency Programs

Emergency Programs | DSHS (wa.gov)

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

Sea Mar -Community Health Centers

Free and charitable health clinics

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

WA State Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Washington State Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

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.

Associated Ministries of Tacoma Pierce County

Family Renewal Shelter - for victims of domestic violence.

Welcome to Family Renewal Shelter (domesticviolencehelp.org)

Pierce County Housing Authority

http://www.pchawa.org/

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

Youth Services – Pierce County Alliance

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.

Students Experiencing Homelessness (ospi.k12.wa.us)

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

Home | Washington State Governor's Office of the Education Ombuds