Homeless Students

McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, ensures educational rights for children and youth experiencing homelessness. The primary goal is educational stability.

How does the law define homelessness?
An individual is “homeless” who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This definition of homelessness includes those living in shelters, motels, campgrounds, cars, abandoned buildings, or other inadequate shelter. The law also includes situations in which an individual shares housing with relatives or others because he or she has lost housing or cannot afford housing due to economic hardship.

Unaccompanied Youth are students who are not in the physical custody of a parent/guardian and are living in a homeless situation.

Eligibility: To be considered eligible or for more information regarding homeless education services, contact the District Homeless Liaison at 770-787-1330 ext. 3907 or the Homeless Contact at your child’s school. Eligible students or their families should complete a Homeless Education Program Application located on Newton County School System’s website or
at their local school. Completed forms can be faxed to the HEP office at 678-625-6149 (fax) or given to the local school.

Renewal is not automatic. Eligibility for homeless education services is for one school year only. Each school year, families or students will have to reapply annually.

DOCUMENTS: 

Khiem Reed, District Homeless Liaison
770-787-1330 ext. 3907
678-625-6149 fax
[email protected]