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Homeless

Homeless Education Plan

Homeless Education Plan

Homeless Enrollment Form

Homeless Enrollment

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McKinney-Vento 2001—Law Into Practice

​Who Is Homeless?

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The McKinney-Vento Act defines "homeless children and youth" as individuals lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

​ This includes:

 

  • Children and youths sharing housing due to loss of housing or economic hardship.

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  • Those living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternatives.

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  • Individuals in emergency or transitional shelters, abandoned in hospitals, or awaiting foster care placement.

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  • Those with a primary nighttime residence not designed for regular sleeping accommodation.

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  • Children and youths living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations.

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  • Migratory children living in the above circumstances.

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Key Provisions

  • The term "homeless" is broadly defined to include various inadequate living situations.

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  • "Unaccompanied youth" includes those not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.

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  • Preschool children, migrant children, and youth who have run away or are not permitted to live at home are considered homeless if they fit the definition.

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Statistics and Trends

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  • Over 1.35 million children and youth experience homelessness annually.

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  • Families are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population, making up about 40%.

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  • The rise in family homelessness is due to a shortage of affordable rental housing and increased poverty.

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  • Emergency shelters are often unable to meet the demand, especially in urban areas, and rural areas may lack shelters entirely.

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Living Situations

  • Many homeless students share housing with friends or relatives, stay in motels, or live on the streets.

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  • Only 35% of homeless children and youth live in shelters, 34% live doubled-up, and 23% live in motels or other locations.

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Support and Resources

  • Every state must have a coordinator for the education of homeless children and youth, and every school district must have a liaison for homeless students.

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  • For more information, visit the NCHE website at www.serve.org/nche or call the NCHE HelpLine at 800-308-2145.

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Contact Information