Homelessness-McKinney-Vento
Students Experiencing Homelessness
The McKinney-Vento Homesless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. School counselors, with the assistance of the district McKinney-Vento liaison, work to identify students and families who find themselves needing support during these difficult moments.
Who Qualifies for McKinney-Vento?
Children and youth lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including those students who are:
- Sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Abandoned in hospitals
- Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations
- Migratory children and youth living in any of the above situations
How Can McKinney-Vento Help You?
- Enroll and attend school immediately, even if you lack documents normally required for enrollment
- Enroll in the school closest to you or the school you were last enrolled in (school of origin), even if you have been forced to relocate
- Receive transportation to and from your school of origin
- Participate in before and after school programs
- Receive free breakfast and lunch
- Receive school supplies
This is not an exhaustive list. Funds are available to help eliminate barriers and promote academic success. Ask your school liaison/counselor for additional information.
Dispute Resolution
For more information about dispute resolution, please visit OSPI Resources for Homeless Children and Youth.
Need additional support? Contact your school's counselor by contacting the school's main office.
Additional Contacts & Information
Allisha Acevedo, McKinney-Vento Liaison - (253) 517-1088; aacevedo@fifeschools.com
WA State McKinney-Vento Program Supervisor - (360) 725-6505; homelessed@k12.wa.us
OSPI Website