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Student & Family Support

McKinney–Vento

Every Student Has the Right to an Education

The McKinney–Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act ensures that children and youth experiencing housing instability have the right to a free and appropriate public education.

Federal and state law require schools to remove barriers to enrollment and participation so students can stay engaged, supported, and successful—regardless of their housing situation.

If your family is experiencing housing instability, you are not alone, and support is available.

What Does “Experiencing Homelessness” Mean?

Under McKinney–Vento, a student is considered to be experiencing homelessness if they do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

This may include students who are:

  • Staying with friends or relatives due to loss of housing or financial hardship
  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of other options
  • Living in shelters or transitional housing
  • Living in cars, parks, public spaces, or other places not meant for housing
  • Unaccompanied youth who are not living with a parent or legal guardian
  • Refugee or migrant youth experiencing housing instability

 You do not need to be living in a shelter to qualify.

What Is an Unaccompanied Youth?

An unaccompanied youth is a student who:

  • Meets the definition of homelessness and
  • Is not living in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian

Physical custody refers to where the student is actually living—not legal paperwork.

How McKinney–Vento Supports Students

Eligible students may receive support to ensure full participation in school, including:

  • Immediate enrollment (even without documents)
  • Free breakfast and lunch
  • Help obtaining enrollment records and documents
  • Transportation assistance (when eligible)
  • School uniforms and basic clothing
  • School supplies and learning materials
  • Support with high school graduation needs and related expenses

Our goal is to remove obstacles so students can focus on learning.

McKinney–Vento Student & Family Identification Survey

If you are experiencing housing instability, please complete our confidential identification survey so we can connect your family with available supports.

 Complete the McKinney–Vento Identification Survey

Completing the survey will not affect your enrollment status and is only used to ensure your child receives the services they are entitled to.

Additional Information

Need Support or Have Questions?

Our school-based homeless liaisons are here to help:

Belmont Charter Network Schools
(Belmont Academy, Elementary, Middle, High School)
267-990-8284
Margarita.Davis@belmontcharternetwork.org
Margarita Davis-Boyer, Homeless Liaison

Inquiry Charter School
267-844-2597
Ashley.Fernandez@belmontcharternetwork.org
Ashley Fernandez, Homeless Liaison

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