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/ students 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 help with?
The Homeless Education Program can address immediate needs such as requests for transportation, clothing, hygiene items, and emergency food. Assist with enrollment advocacy 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.
