McKinney-Vento Homeless Act

Overview

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, reauthorized in January 2002, is the first and only major federal legislative response to homelessness. It ensures educational rights for children and youth experiencing homelessness. 

If you are homeless, or know someone who is homeless, there is help available. You should contact District 209's Homeless Liaison, Vanessa Schmitt:

vschmitt@pths209.org
(708) 338-5919

Who is eligible for services? 

o    Doubled up with relatives/friends or "couch surfing" due to economic hardship

o    Living in motels, shelters, or in places not normally used as sleeping accommodations for human beings

o    Temporarily awaiting foster care placement

o    "Unaccompanied youth": youth in homeless situations who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian

o    Runaways

o    Disaster victims

For more information, or if you have any questions regarding the educational rights of homeless children and youth in District 209, contact Vanessa Schmitt.