Homeless with School Children

Homeless with School Children

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law, ensures that homeless children and youth have access to a free and appropriate public education. School personnel, liaisons, and community agencies play critical roles in this process.

How does the McKinney-Vento Act define homelessness?

The act defines homeless children and youths as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” This includes situations such as:

Staying with friends or relatives due to economic hardship
Living in hotels, motels, trailer parks, or camping grounds without a choice
Staying in emergency or transitional shelters
Living in public spaces such as parks or abandoned buildings
Migratory students

This definition is broader than other governmental definitions of homelessness. For example, the Department of Housing and Urban Development only counts youth living with relatives as homeless if there is documentation that they will lose housing within 14 days. The act’s more expansive definition allows more students to access services, such as transportation to and from school or basic school supplies.

Help Line

For assistance with an issue related to the education of a child or youth experiencing homelessness, contact the NCHE homeless education helpline toll-free at (800) 308-2145 or [email protected].

Franklin County Public Schools

Chambersburg School District
511 S 6th St
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 263-6532
Monday-Friday 7am-4pm

Greencastle School District
500 East Leitersburg Street
Greencastle, PA 17225
Phone: (717) 597-3226
Monday -Friday 8am-4pm

Shippensburg School District
317 N Morris St
Shippensburg, PA 17257
Phone: (717) 530-2700
Monday -Friday 8am-4pm

Tuscarora School District
100 W Seminary St
Mercersburg, PA 1723
Phone: (717) 328-3127
Monday-Friday 7am-4pm

Waynesboro School District
210 Clayton Avenue
Waynesboro, PA 17268
Phone: (717) 762-1191
Monday-Friday 7:30am-4pm