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The Dallas ISD | Homeless Education Program (HEP) supports homeless students and their families through the funding of the McKinney-Vento Act.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires the immediate enrollment of children and youth experiencing homelessness, even in the absence of records normally required for enrollment. School is the safest place to be for children who may be in danger.
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Services Provided by the Homeless Education Program Include:
- Establish stability through academic support for children in transition in order to succeed in school.
- Linkage to resources to address identified needs including but not limited to basic needs such as transportation, emergency food assistance, and housing.
- McKinney-Vento training to shelters, parents, community organizations, and District personnel.
- Collaboration with community organizations to provide uniforms to students experiencing homelessness.
- Collaboration with community organizations to provide after-school and holiday programming.
- LGBTQ outreach resources and support.
- As we process through our current shifting situation with COVID-19, we offer out considerations and emergency resources to support our students & families experiencing homelessness.
Our Purpose
Establish stability for children and youth in transition, with a focus on basic needs, academic support, and emergency assistance, so that they may succeed holistically in school and in life.
Our Vision
Empower and encourage confidence, inspiration, independence, and stability with every homeless child and youth in the Dallas ISD.
Our Mission
Provide strategic advocacy of services that inspire confidence, create opportunities, and establishes stability for Dallas ISD children and youth in transition in order for them to succeed in school.
Dallas ISD |Homeless Education Program
Main Line: 972-749-5750
We invite you to send us your questions, concerns, suggestions, and or compliments to Let's Talk. A member of the Dallas ISD | Homeless Education Program (HEP) who can best address your comment will be notified.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a homeless crisis, please call
1-888-411-6802.
Sometimes Strength Comes In Knowing You Are Not Alone!
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Requests
Click on any of the ribbons below for more information
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Get Help! Get Answers!
Contact the Texas Youth Helpline any time, day or night to discuss your problem. It's free and we're here to help!
Children, teenagers, and parents - let us help you find solutions.
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Short-Term Rental/Utility Assistance
- The Dallas Leadership Foundation: Short-term rental/utility assistance program.
- City of Dallas: CARES Act- Coronavirus Relief Fund Rental Assistance Program.
Other organizations accepting general applications: Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) *OPEN NOW*
The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Collaborative *OPEN NOW*
The Collaborative is made up of multiple non-profit partners. Once you find the best fit, only apply to one, as duplications will not be accepted.
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Pre-Paid Phones
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FAQ's
What students are considered homeless?
Students who live in:
- Emergency Shelters/Transitional Housing
- Motels/Hotels
- Home of friends or relatives due to economic hardships
- Unaccompanied
What are some common causes of homelessness?
- Economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment/underemployment, lack of affordable housing, or single parent/single income
- Health challenges such as disabilities, mental health issues, or substance abuse
- Trauma such as domestic violence, child abuse, or natural disasters
- Acute conflict such as pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or blended family issues
- Emergency Shelter/Transitional Housing policies such as lack of space
- Deportation
If a family is in need of a deposit or rent payment for housing can the Homeless Education Program assist?
The Homeless Education Program does not have funding to assist with deposit or rent payment, but we can connect you to resources available in the community. Please refer to the Homeless Education Program webpage for further information & resources in order to assist with housing hardships and other specific needs.
What are the next steps to take in order for family/student to receive assistance through the Homeless Education Program if considered homeless?
Visit the school where students attend and request to fill out a Student Residency Questionnaire Form. Families and/or students should then be referred to Counseling staff to assist with making requests to the Homeless Education Program for materials and/or transportation needs.
What is a Student Residency Questionnaire?
An SRQ or Student Residency Questionnaire is a form that determines homeless status.
What kinds of needs can the Homeless Education Program assist with?
The Homeless Education Program can address immediate needs such as requests for transportation, clothing, hygiene items, and emergency food. The Homeless Education Program can also assist with advocacy with the enrollment process following the Mckinney-Vento Act standards.
Does a homeless student need documents in order to enroll in school?
No, the student does not need the documentation when enrolling. They have a 30-day window to provide documentation.
If a homeless student moves out of the district, can they get assistance with transportation?
Yes. If a student lives within the district and it is in the child's best interest to stay at the School of Origin transportation/ a bus will be provided by the district. If a student lives outside of the district both districts will share the cost of the transportation.
How does a child qualify for bus pass transportation?
According to District Policy, a student must live more than 2 miles from the school. All addresses will be verified upon receipt of the request.
Can a parent submit a request for bus passes/transportation?
No. The counselor or designee at the campus must submit the request via the online form.
How soon can bus pass requests be processed?
An email will be sent as soon as the bus passes are ready for pick up. The response time is 24 hours if all information is provided.
Are bus passes replaceable if lost/stolen?
No. The Homeless Education Program cannot replace lost or stolen bus passes. It is up to the designee to keep up with the distribution of the passes.
Can the parent get bus passes to escort students to and from school?
Yes, but only up to 8th grade. High school students must travel alone unless special circumstances prevent a child from doing so.
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Weather and School Safety Information
