A photo of a notebook and a pen.

HOMELESS YOUTH SERVICE

Sergio Espinoza

District Homeless Liaison

Resources

Legislative Information
Housing Questionnaire

A photo of a HOMELESS YOUTH SERVICE activity.

THE McKINNEY-VENTO ASSISTANCE ACT 

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who:

  • are doubled up: temporarily sharing housing with another family due to loss of housing or economic hardship;

  • live temporarily with an adult that is not the parent/ guardian due to loss of housing;

  • live in an abandoned building, parked car, or substandard housing unfit for human habitation;

  • live on their own without a parent/guardian (runaway or unaccompanied youth);

  • live in a motel or hotel due to loss of housing or economic hardship;

  • live in emergency or transitional shelters;

  • are migratory children that qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

STUDENTS' RIGHTS

  • Schools must immediately enroll homeless students even if they lack transcripts, required documents, or immunization records.

  • Homeless students can continue to attend their last school of enrollment (school of origin) or enroll in the school in the area where the family is temporarily residing.

  • If the family gains permanent housing, the student can remain at the current school and receive services for the duration of that academic year.

  • Receive transportation to the school they attended before becoming homeless, if possible.

  • Receive the same programs and services that are provided to all other children.

  • Automatically qualify for free breakfast and lunch.

  • Receive information and referrals to health, mental health, dental, and other

  • services.

In accordance with the federal McKinney-Vento Assistance Act, Heber Elementary School District offers families in transition a stable educational experience for their children. To determine if your child is eligible for these services, please complete this Student Residency Questionnaire and return it to the Main Office at your child’s school.

If you have questions regarding services for homeless children and youth within Heber Elementary School District, please contact Sergio Espinoza, District Homeless Liaison at 760-337-6530 ext. 2487.