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McKinney Vento/Homeless Supports

Mckinney Vento/Homeless Supports

Five women stand in front of a blue tiled wall, smiling for a photo.

Families Experiencing Homelessness

A significant number of families who are experiencing homelessness live within our district boundaries. Our liaison for families experiencing homelessness with children between the ages of 0-21 is Natalie Sandoval. She may be reached at (208) 468-4600 , ext 1161 Fax: (208) 468-4639.

  • The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Subtitle B-Education for Homeless Children and Youth) ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. Services to children who are experiencing homelessness are required by local educational agencies in the No Child Left Behind Act, and are primarily found under the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Title X, Part C No Child Left Behind Act) and under Title I.

    A young woman smiles at the camera while sitting at a table with two other students.

Who is Homeless?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines "homeless children and youth" as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, as defined by the following:

  • Doubled up with family or a friend
  • In a car, park, campground, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing or similar
  • In a motel or hotel
  • In a house or vehicle of any kind (including a camper) without running water, electricity or heat
  • In a shelter or transitional housing
  • Unaccompanied youth not living with a parent or legal guardian
  • Youth awaiting foster care (first 30 days in foster care)

A young woman with long brown hair smiles while holding a stack of notebooks and a backpack.

Homeless Student Rights

A young woman with long dark hair smiles as she reaches for a book on a bookshelf.

  • Homeless children have a right to attend school.
  • You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school.
  • Homeless children have the right to stay in their school of origin if the parents choose.
  • Your child cannot be denied school enrollment just because school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available.
  • Your child has the opportunity to receive transportation services to and from the school of origin.
  • Your child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities and all federal, state or local programs for which he/she is eligible.

School of Origin

The school of origin is defined as the school the student attended when permanently housed or the school in which the student was last enrolled.

District Resources
Services available for students who are experiencing homelessness:

  • Qualification for free breakfast and lunch program.
  • Transportation assistance to remain in their school of origin.
  • After-school tutoring programs.Qualification for free breakfast and lunch program.
  • Referrals for clothing.
  • Backpacks, school supplies, blankets and hygiene kits.
  • Referrals to community resources.
  • Referrals to food pantries and/or free meals.
  • Referrals to domestic violence advocates (currently one on site, one day a week).
  • Referrals to medical/dental assistance.
  • Grade/attendance contracts with incentives.
  • Assistance with college applications and financial aid applications.

To arrange for these services, contact the homeless program specialist at (208) 468-4601, ext. 1161, or your school counselor for a referral.

Government Resources