McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program

 

 

 

   Homeless/Foster Care Liaison

   Office of External Affairs

   (864) 260-5000 (Ext. 17154)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poverty and the lack of affordable housing are the principle causes of family homelessness. Both disrupt virtually every aspect of family life, damaging the physical and emotional health of family members, interfering with children’s education and development, and frequently resulting in the separation of family members. 

 

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.11431 et seq.), the definition of homeless is children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; living in emergency or transitional shelters; abandoned in hospitals; migratory children; and unaccompanied youth (not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian).

 

Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings qualify as homeless under the act.

 

Homeless students are entitled to assistance with enrollment, necessary supplies for school, school clothing or uniforms, help with accessing educational services and programs, transportation and referrals to shelters and community agencies.