Homeless Education Program

HEP Enrollment Tips

Documents needed for student registration:

Birth certificate (new students)
Parent/guardian photo ID
Proof of address
Immunization record
Social Security card (optional)

If homeless, what to Do

Make the child feel welcome
If not enrolled, don’t let them leave! Enroll immediately.
Students have 30 days from the date of enrollment to provide documents.
Maintain the child’s privacy & complete the Student Residency Questionnaire (SRQ).
After being identified, the student and/or parents can request assistance until June 30th of the school year.
Submit any Request for Materials and/or Transportation to the Homeless Education Program (HEP).
Contact HEP for additional support or information about local and school resources.

Where to obtain any of the missing documents:

The Stewpot
Identification & Documentation Program
Birth Certificate
City of Dallas | Vital Statistics
Parent/guardian photo ID
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
(list of documents you will need here)
Social Security Card
Social Security and Administration Office

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/ 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, emergency 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.

Mobile Food Pantries & More!

I Need Assistance With

United Way can connect you to the community resources you need. Click here for more information.

You can also call 2-1-1 for free expert help with local community resources.

Support for Mom | How Can We Help You? Click here for more information. Or call us now at (214) 827-7220

Period Access Dallas | Need tampons or pads? A month's supply is available for free. For more information, click here!

DART Safe Place Program | DART, in coordination with QuikTrip and Jonathan's Place staff, will transport young people in crisis needing help to safety. Click here to learn more!

Emergency Shelter | Ways 2 Apply

After8toEducate | After8 is a program that assists unsheltered youth and supports their immediate needs through case management (ages 14-21). Drop-in center address and information, c lick here (drop-in center's hours 9A - 9P).

One of our major endeavors Dallas LIFE is to love, nurture, and help homeless children of all ages feel safe and secure.

Elevate North Texas | Elevate North Texas’ mission is to fill in the gap of youth homelessness with emergency shelter. Click here.

You can apply for Family Gateway Emergency Shelter in one of the following ways: Click here for more information.

Need Help? Resources For People at Risk Of or Experiencing Homelessness. Click here to learn more.

Get Help! Get Answers!

Get Answers! Children, teenagers, and parents - let us help you find solutions.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Need Support Now? If you or someone you know is struggling or in a crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

TXT 4 HELP It’s quick, easy, safe, and confidential. TXT 4 HELP is a free service offered to all youth in a crisis.

IN A CRISIS? Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor | Free 24/7 support at your fingertips.

National Runaway Safeline | 24/7 FREE Crisis Connection.

Texas Youth Guide

Dallas County Promise | Dallas County Promise can help you succeed in college and careers you’re passionate about and help you prepare to advance professionally in life.

Dallas ISD GRA2D | Graduation, Recovery, Attendance/Advocacy and Dropout Intervention. Click here to learn about each program today!

CollegeWorks | CollegeWorks helps you explore high-demand career options, gives you college partners in Texas that offer degrees in those career fields, and gets you to work after you graduate.

Big future | Click here to learn about scholarships and more.

Year Up | Gain the skills, experience, and support that will empower you to reach your potential through careers and higher education.

Dallas ISD Career Institutes |Provides high school students a choice to pursue a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway.

Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas | Offers young adults opportunities that support, motivate, and prepare them for continuing educational achievements, successful transition into adulthood, and long-term success in employment.

Texas OnCourse| With Texas OnCourse, all high school graduates, no matter where they're coming from or where they're going, have a plan for what's next.

For more resources and information, please visit our Student Corner field on this page.