McKinney-Vento Homeless Program

Homeless Definition

 Students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as defined below.

• Doubled-up, couch surfing, sharing housing with family or friends due to economic hardship, or similar reason
• Living in an emergency or transitional shelter
• Living in a motel/hotel, vehicles, parks, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations
• Living in abandoned buildings or substandard housing with no heat, electricity, water, or floors

Unaccompanied Youth Definition

Youth not in physical custody of a parent or guardian due to abandonment by their family, being kicked out, or running away from home and living in any of the situations described above.

Indicators of Possible Homelessness

• Chronic hunger and/or tiredness
• Enrollment at many different schools
• Inconsistent school attendance or tardiness
• Grooming and personal hygiene issues
• Consistently comes to school without homework, books, supplies, or signed papers
• Incompatible clothing for the current season or incorrectly sized clothing
• Changes in behavior, characterized by shyness, withdrawal, nervousness, anger, or aggression
• Mentions staying with family, friends, or not sure where they are staying on future nights

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, you have the right to:

• Privacy and confidentiality regarding your living situation
• An advocate that can help you with transportation, school supplies, academic support, and community resource information
• Enroll and attend classes immediately even if unable to provide proof of residency, immunization records, or other documents
• Attend the neighborhood school or the school of origin (the school the student attended when permanently housed or last enrolled)
• Attend your school of origin until the end of the school year, even if you become housed or move out of district, if feasible
• Receive written explanation and appeal if educational placement is denied
• Attend school while a dispute resolution or disagreement is resolved
• Receive transportation to and from your school or origin
• Access school services needed such as Title I-A, Special Education, Migrant Education, ELL Services, and Student Access & Advancement (TAG) services
• Participate in extracurricular activities
• Free and reduced school meals
• Attend district pre-school programs

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, reauthorized in January 2002, ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. 

If you need assistance in any of the following areas, we have extensive lists of resources available to you in the Salem-Keizer area. 

• Addiction/Mental Health
• Baby/Family
• Education
• Emergency Assistance (Crisis)
• Employment
• Food/Clothing
• Health
• Housing
• Legal
• Shelters
• Social Services
• Meals

Youth Resources

Community Resources