Who is considered homeless?

Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act defines homelessness as living in the following places due to a lack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

• In an emergency or transitional shelter
• In a motel, hotel, or campground due to lack of an adequate alternative 
• In a car, park, public place, bus or train station, or abandoned building
• Doubled up with relatives or friends due to loss of housing or economic hardship
• In the above conditions and is a migratory child or youth
• Further descriptions of nighttime residence

This definition of homelessness applies to children and youth with:

• Uncertain housing
• A temporary address
• No permanent physical address

Children and youth living in these settings meet criteria for the McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness and have special educational rights.

Where can a child or youth without a fixed, regular, and adequate residence attend school?

• The school the child or youth attended before becoming homeless or was last enrolled (school of origin)
• The school in the attendance area where the child or youth is currently living

How can delays be avoided when enrolling a student experiencing homelessness in school?

• Enroll the student immediately
• Contact the previous school and ask that the records be sent electronically or shared over the phone
• Contact the principal, school counselor, or local homeless education liaison with any concerns
• Contact the local homeless education liaison to support unaccompanied youth when enrolling in school

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Division Liaison

Holly ferguson
Work:  540-4637386
Fax:  540-464-4838
E-mail: holly_ferguson@rockbridge.k12.va.us

 

Project Hope State Representative

Dr. Patricia Popp 
PO Box 8759
Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795
757-221-4002  Toll Free: 877-455-3412
TDD: 757-221-2302  Fax: 757-455-3412
E-mail: homlss@wm.edu