• 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?

-No, the Homeless Education Program does not have funding to assist. Please refer to the Homeless Education Program website for resources in order to assist with housing hardships. 

• What are the next steps to take in order for family/student to receive assistance through the Homeless Education Program if considered homeless?

-Visit 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 transportaion 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, clothes, toiletries, and food if available. The Homeless Education Program can also assist with advocacy with the enrollment process following Mckinney-Vento Act standards.

• Does a homeless student need documents in order to enroll in school? 

-No, the student does not need documentation when enrolling. They have a 30-day window to provide documentation. 

• If a homeless student moves out of district, can they get assistance with transportation?

-Yes. If student lives within the district and it is in the child's best interest to stay at the School of Origin 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 receival of 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 student to and from school?

-Yes, but only up to 8th grade. High school students must travel alone unless special circumstances prevent child from doing so.