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Our role as a school district is to ensure that our students who are considered homeless are enrolled immediately, receive transportation as appropriate, and are referred to services as needed.
For access to our self-paced training & receive a certificate of completion, simply go to the Cornerstone main page and look for Homeless Education Program Training.
The Dallas ISD Homeless Education Program is Here For You! Contact HEP at 972-749-5750 or email us at homelesseducation@dallasisd.org
If you or someone you know is experiencing a homeless crisis, please call 1-888-411-6802 (Homeless Crisis Hot Line). In the event of an emergency, please call 911.
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Requests
IMPORTANT | When completing a request, please make sure that a SRQ has been completed & submitted for each student. Click on the link below:
CLICK ON ANY OF THE RIBBONS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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Summer Meals Programs
Click Here To learn more about summer meals at no cost!
Food Aid for Families in Texas | Click Here to find out about other food assistance for you and your family.
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Mobile Food Pantries
North Texas Food Bank | Mobile Pantry
Catholic Charities Dallas| Mobile Pantry
USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse
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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.
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Emergency Shelter | Ways 2 Apply
Are you or do you know a youth experiencing homelessness? Click here to learn more about Promise House.
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.
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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
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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:
- Birth Certificate
City of Dallas | Vital Statistics
- Parent/guardian photo ID
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Social Security Card
Social Security and Administration Office
- The Stewpot
Identification & Documentation Program
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FAFSA Letter Requirements
Dallas ISD Homeless Education Program FAFSA letter requirements | student must be an unaccompanied youth.
Senior checklist | not sure where to start? not sure how to complete one of these steps? Please contact your college access advisor at your campus for assistance. Not sure who your advisor is? Click here
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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.
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.
Texas Youth Connection | Connect. Persevere. Succeed.
For more resources and information, please visit our Student Corner field on this page.
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Free Programs & Activities
Dallas Park & Recreation | Events & Activities
City of Dallas Learning | Discover Fun Activities in Your Neighborhood
Dallas Public Library | Programs & Activities
YMCA Dallas | Financial Assistance Program
Adult Learning Dallas Public Library | Earn Your GED, Practice English and/or Learn Tech Skills.
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Contact Your School Counselor
Meet with your school counselor and ask your teachers and coaches for advice on college.
Each campus has at least one full-time counselor.
Go to Counseling Services / Contact Your School Counselor(dallasisd.org).
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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/ 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.