Homeless Assistance
Need Assistance?
Email our WRSD Homeless Liason Jennie Nicolls or call at 360-829-5512
Call the National Center for Homeless Education at the toll-free Help Line number: 1-800-308-2145
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001
Through the McKinney-Vento Act, children who are homeless have certain rights and protections to enable them to continue with their education while homeless.
You may qualify for rights provided by McKinney-Vento if your family lives in any of the following situations:
- In a shelter, motel, vehicle or campground
- On the street
- In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations
- Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing
Through McKinney-Vento, your children (pre-school through high school) have the right to:
- Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there. You must be given access to the same public education—including preschool education— provided to other children.
- Continue in the school your children attended—or the school they last attended— before you became homeless, if feasible and if that is your choice. If a school sends your child to a school other than the one you request, the school must provide you with a written explanation and offer you the right to appeal the decision.
- Receive transportation to the school they attended —or the school they last attended— before your family became homeless if you or a guardian request such transportation.
- Attend a school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless. Children cannot be separated from the regular school program because they are homeless.
- Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment.
- Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment.
- Enroll and attend classes in the school of your choice even while the school and you seek to resolve any dispute over enrolling your children.
- Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs.
- Receive transportation to school and to school programs.