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
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
Local Homeless Education Liasion for Bedford County Public Schools
Diane Isenhour
Supervisor of Secondary English
310 S. Bridge Street
Bedford, VA 24523
Work: 540-586-1045 Ext. 10274
Fax: 540-586-7703
E-mail: disenhour@bedford.k12.va.us
Project Hope State Representative
Dr. Patricia A. Popp
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
757-221-4002/Toll Free: 877-455-3412
TDD: 757-221-2302/Fax: 757-221-2988
E-mail: [email protected]