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This legal guide is on the rights of homeless students in schools.  "During the 2014-2015 school year, U.S. public schools enrolled 95,032 unaccompanied students experiencing homelessness, up 21% from 78,654 during the 2012-2013 school year" (National Center for Homeless Education [NCHE], 2016, p. 17).
This guide is for the educational staff at the middle and high school levels.  I am writing this guide as a school counselor and will review it with school personnel during professional development. I chose this topic because homelessness is a huge problem in my community. Homelessness is connected with other issues which effect the school environment, such as hunger, bullying, self-harm, and foster care. All of these things are issues I will encounter as a school counselor.

National Center for Homeless Education. (2017). Supporting the education of unaccompanied students experiencing homelessness. Retrieved from https://nche.ed.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/youth.pdf

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I interviewed Ms. Renata Adams a retired (2019) counselor from Rancier Middle School in Killeen, TX.  Killeen is a small diverse city connected to Fort Hood Army Base, which causes frequent moves for our students.  Ms. Adams has vast experience dealing with homeless students in our school district.  According to recent data, “Killeen school district counted 919 homeless students, including 148 unaccompanied students” (Gibbs, 2017).  Ms. Adams recalls the 2018-2019 school year as a low year for homeless students at her school. This year she had 30 homeless students as opposed to 70 the year before.
HOW DO THESE LARGE NUMBERS IMPACT EDUCATION?

Homelessness impacts education in a variety of ways.  Homeless students are frequently absent, they have a difficult time focusing because they are worried about other important issues, and they don’t have a safe/silent place to do schoolwork if the need arises. The main way homelessness impacts education is that the students have "huge gaps in their education, their knowledge is missing".  Ms. Adams makes sure her homeless students have access to tutoring to help close those gaps. (R. Adams, personal communication 7/15/19)
WHAT ARE SOME  OF YOUR BEST PRACTICES FOR HOMELESS STUDENTS?

*Make the time to meet with them every couple of days -TALK

*Provide needs that HARP doesn’t cover - collect sample toiletries from hotel stays

*Get to know the staff, send out emails to ask the teachers for items the students need

*Get to know the student- poll them as to how many times they really moved!

* Do a life board so that they can track the places they’ve been and the things they’ve learned.

*Keep snacks; feed them no matter what the rules say
(R. Adams, personal communication 7/15/19).

WHAT ARE SOME EMERGING ISSUES DEALING WITH HOMELESS STUDENTS?

There is (SB 424) that was proposed recently concerning school suspensions of homeless students.  Basically, they are proposing that a student’s homeless status be taken into consideration before they are given an Out Of School
Suspension (OSS).
WHY IS THIS BILL IMPORTANT, AND HOW IS IT DETRIMENTAL
TO HOMELESS STUDENTS?

First, school may be the only place they get a meal on a consistent basis, secondly if their parent is working and they live in a shelter, they won’t have supervision.  The Bill proposes that schools use In School Suspension (ISS) or other punishments, in lieu of OSS
(R. Adams, personal communication 7/15/19)

GIBBS, J. (2017, April 15). Slight decrease in Bell County homeless population. Retrieved from http://kdhnews.com/news/local/slight-decrease-in-bell-county-homeless-population/article_c19b2a7c-2228-11e7-a3ec-63190f73c7f3.html

Relating to determining appropriate disciplinary action to be taken against a public school student who is in foster care or who is homeless, S.B. 424, 86th legislature. (2019).

Texas Legislature Online. (2018). 86(R) SB 424 - Introduced version - Fiscal Note. Retrieved from https://capitol.texas.gov/billlookup/text.aspx?LegSess=85R&Bill=SB242

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#3-Professional Association:  US Department of Education

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#3-Professional Association:  US Department of Education

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In this letter explains the importance of adhering to the McKinney-Vento Act, due to the homeless population increasing from the 2006-2007 school year to the 2013-2014. It also explains specific provisions from the  McKinney-Vento Act, that ESSA amended which takes effect on October 1, 2016 (U.S. Department of Education, 2017).

U.S. Department of Education. (2017, March 2). Archived: Letter on Educational Rights of Homeless Children and Youths under the McKinney-Vento Act. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/secletter/160726.html

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elementary education; school administration; secondary education; high risk students; homeless people; youth;

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Archived: Letter on Educational Rights of Homeless Children and Youths under the McKinney-Vento Act

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Letter on educational rights of homeless children and youths under the McKinney-Vento Act

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There is a huge problem with college students that are also homeless and hungry.  Many college students in community college and even some four year universities are unstable where food and housing is concerned.  The definition of homeless for college students may include,  "students living in a shelter, as well as anyone "couch surfing" — staying with friends — or roaming across campus at night, catching short windows of sleep as they move from one empty building to another" (National Public Radio, 2018). It is difficult for students to focus on their educational needs when they don't have anywhere to live. The article further states, "homeless college students devote as much time to the classroom and to studying as do college students who are not homeless. However, they also work more, they commute more, spend more time taking care of other people and they sleep less" (National Public Radio, 2018).

National Public Radio. (2018, April 3). Hunger And Homelessness Are Widespread Among College Students, Study Finds. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/04/03/599197919/
hunger-and-homelessness-are-widespread-among-college-students-study-finds

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As college students grapple with the rising costs of classes and books, mortgaging their futures with student loans in exchange for a diploma they're gambling will someday pay off, it turns out many of them are in great financial peril in the present, too.

More than a third of college students don't always have enough to eat and they lack stable housing, according to a survey published Tuesday by researchers at Temple University and the Wisconsin HOPE Lab.

Overall the study concluded 36 percent of college students say they are food insecure. Another 36 percent say they are housing insecure, while 9 percent report being homeless. The results are largely the same as last year's survey, which included fewer students.

The 2018 numbers are even higher when broken out to include only community college students. Forty-two percent indicated they struggled the most to get adequate food, as measured by the researchers' scale. Nine percent said they had gone at least one day during the last month without eating because they lacked the money. And 46 percent said they had difficulty paying for housing and utilities.

Sara Goldrick-Rab, professor of higher-education policy at Temple University and the lead author of the report for the past three years, told NPR that while conditions remain dire for students from low-income families, the burden of covering these basic necessities is spreading into the middle class.

For poor students, she said, "It really undermines their ability to do well in school. Their grades suffer, their test scores appear to be lower, and overall, their chances of graduating are slimmer. They can barely escape their conditions of poverty long enough to complete their degrees."

Whereas, middle class students "wouldn't be going through these issues if they weren't in college" because "their resources pale in comparison to those high college prices."

For those students facing food insecurity, it means they have trouble getting enough to eat on a daily basis, often leading to skipped meals, weight loss and limited access to nutritious foods.

Housing instability can mean a student is at risk of eviction, behind on utilities payments, or actually homeless, although according to the researchers, homelessness can take on different forms. For instance, it may include students living in a shelter, as well as anyone "couch surfing" - staying with friends - or roaming across campus at night, catching short windows of sleep as they move from one empty building to another.

The report focused on 43,000 students at 66 institutions - 31 community colleges and 35 four-year universities - in 20 states and Washington, D.C. Students volunteered to participate and researchers say it is a non-random sample.

However, Goldrick-Rab and her colleagues have touted it as "the largest national assessment of basic needs security among four-year students."

While the survey did not include any University of California respondents, most of the findings in the current annual study parallel those found by researchers with the UC Berkeley's Basic Needs Security Work Group, which, in 2016 determined 42 percent of student in the UC system were food insecure.

Other notable findings in Goldrick-Rab's study include:

More than 60 percent of former foster youth who completed this survey were food insecure and housing insecure, and almost 1 in 4 had experienced homelessness in the last year.

21 percent of homeless students said they felt unsafe where they live.

37 percent of community college students and 29 percent of four-year students reported the food they'd bought just didn't last and they didn't have money to buy more.

Among the most surprising findings in the survey, Goldrick-Rab said, "Is that homeless college students devote as much time to the classroom and to studying as do college students who are not homeless. However, they also work more, they commute more, spend more time taking care of other people and they sleep less."

That is why she is urging higher education institutions to double down on providing services to help financially strapped students graduate. "Because these people have clearly exhibited a resilience that almost any employer would benefit from."

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Hunger And Homelessness Are Widespread Among College Students, Study Finds

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As college students grapple with the rising costs of classes and books, mortgaging their futures with student loans in exchange for a diploma they're gambling will someday pay off, it turns out many of them are in great financial peril in the present, too.

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There is a record high of homeless students this year.  In New York.  Homeless students have many obstacles to overcome. The article states that "nationwide, only 64 percent of homeless students earn a high school diploma, and there is a wide variation from state to state in what percentage of homeless students complete a high school diploma"(Sparks, 2019).  There are things in place in schools to help offset the huge burden placed on these students. At one school, their "Academic Time Leads to Achieving Students (ATLAS), program provides two homeless-student advocates who work with liaisons at each school" (Sparks, 2019). The advocate helps identify and meet student needs, whether they are academic or personal.

Sparks, S. (2019, March 12). Schools Finding Record Numbers of Homeless Students, Study Says. Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2019/03/13/schools-finding-record-numbers-of-homeless-students.html

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States have never found so many homeless students in public schools before. The next challenge will be finding ways to keep those students in school long enough to earn a diploma.

Nearly 1.36 million children-more than all the students in New York City-went to school in 2017 without knowing where they would sleep at night, finds a new report by the national campaign Education Leads Home, which looked at new national data as well as graduation rates for homeless students in 26 states. That's a jump of more than 100,000 students from 2016, making 2017 an all-time high since the group began tracking in 2007.

"Homelessness is not just not having housing. ... It goes above and beyond poverty," said Barbara Duffield, the executive director of SchoolHouse Connection, which co-wrote the report with three other groups, the America's Promise Alliance, Civic Enterprises, and the Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness. "There's so much that goes into homelessness, in terms of trauma ... these students have multiple risk factors."

The report found that nationwide, only 64 percent of homeless students earn a high school diploma, and there is a wide variation from state to state in what percentage of homeless students complete a high school diploma. That's nearly 20 percentage points lower than the average graduation rate for all students, and nearly 14 percentage points lower than the graduation rate for students who are living in poverty but have stable housing.

This baseline data may not tell the whole story, Duffield warned, as states that have committed to identifying more homeless students overall, such as Oregon, show lower than average graduation rates.

Like many districts, Rutherford County public schools outside Nashville have seen a steady rise in homeless students, according to Kim Snell, the district's homeless-program coordinator. Some 1,250 of the district's 46,000 students are homeless, up from fewer than 800 in 2008.

But unlike in many districts, homeless students in Rutherford don't lag their peers in earning a diploma. In fact, last year they slightly outperformed the district's already-high 95.3 percent overall graduation rate.

The district provides a graduation coach in every high school, dedicated to monitoring vulnerable students from 9th grade on. And its Academic Time Leads to Achieving Students, or ATLAS, program provides two homeless-student advocates who work with liaisons at each school. The advocates help identify students' challenges, from figuring out how to transfer credit from a high school career pathway program to arranging transportation to helping provide clean clothes and a safe place to do homework.

"It's the relationships, just having that extra layer of support for those kids," Snell said. The homeless advocates "are not providing direct instruction, but they might be talking to the teacher about the fact that this child doesn't have access to the internet at home or doesn't have a way to print anything when they're not at school. So let's give him the time at school that he needs to do whatever it is he needs to do."

Addressing these needs can make a big difference in a homeless student's potential to earn a diploma, said Jennifer Erb-Downward, a senior research associate at Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan. After studying homeless students in both Michigan and New York, she found that contrary to common wisdom, 9 out of 10 homeless students graduated high school if they did not transfer schools repeatedly and attended school regularly.

"What that says to me is that there are these critical points of intervention where schools could have a really meaningful difference in whether homeless students graduate," Erb-Downward said.

More Students on Their Own

Nationwide, the rise in homeless students has not come primarily through better identification of homeless students, Duffield said.

Rather, causes seem to vary widely from community to community, from rapidly rising housing costs in some communities to fallout from the opioid and methamphetamine epidemics in others. The number of homeless students living on their own has risen particularly sharply, from about 95,000 in 2014-15 to more than 118,000 in 2016-17. (Unaccompanied immigrant children are not counted in federal homeless figures for "unaccompanied minors," because they are immediately taken into custody, Duffield noted.)

"Homeless" summons an image of children in shelters, but more than 3 in 4 homeless students live doubled up with other families. The report also found a smaller portion of homeless students living in shelters than in 2014, and a larger portion living in hotels, campgrounds, and abandoned buildings. These students can be difficult for schools to identify.

"What we'd like to see more of in schools is a more trauma-informed approach," said Annie Pennucci of Building Changes, a nonprofit group for homeless students in Washington state. "Being late or absent, falling asleep in school, all can be symptoms of homelessness, not just poor behavior."

In Rutherford County, Snell found a way to boost identification and support at the same time. The district pays for homeless students to participate in the area Boys and Girls Club summer camps, which run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. when school is not in session. The district doesn't pay for after-school care, but parents who get forms from the district showing their child participates in the homeless-education program often have after-school fees waived by the community group.

"So many, many doubled-up children are in unsafe situations if they aren't in school," Snell said. "This gives them a safe place to go, where they get to eat, be like every other kid-and it allows their parents to work."

Identification is likely to continue to improve. The federal Every Student Succeeds Act requires states to report the test performance and graduation rates of homeless students for the first time beginning with data from the 2017-18 school year, and graduation rates for homeless students in all states are expected to be released in 2020.

Published in Print: March 13, 2019, as Schools Finding Record Numbers of Homeless Students, Study Says

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Schools Finding Record Numbers of Homeless Students, Study Says

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States have never found so many homeless students in public schools before. The next challenge will be finding ways to keep those students in school long enough to earn a diploma.

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The Mckinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures that state education agencies

"ensure that each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as provided to other children and youths,"(U.S. Code.gov). The Mckinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act allows students to attend their school of origin, and get transportation, if need be.  In December of 2015, McKinney-Vento was reauthorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 USC § 11431; 42 U.S.C. § 11432A

US Code. (2015). [USC02] 42 USC CHAPTER 119, SUBCHAPTER VI, Part B:

Education for Homeless Children and Youths. Retrieved from https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title42/chapter119/subchapter6/partB&edition=prelim

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[USC02] 42 USC CHAPTER 119, SUBCHAPTER VI, Part B: Education for Homeless Children and Youths

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(2) In any State where compulsory residency requirements or other requirements, in laws, regulations, practices, or policies, may act as a barrier to the identification of, or the enrollment, attendance, or success in school of, homeless children and youths, the State educational agency and local educational agencies in the State will review and undertake steps to revise such laws, regulations, practices, or policies to ensure that homeless children and youths are afforded the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths.

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According to the Texas Constitution, "all free men, when they form a social compact, have equal rights, and no man, or set of men, is entitled to exclusive separate public emoluments, or privileges, but in consideration of public services.There are laws in place to ensure that basic human rights are followed. Another way to interpret this law in relation to homeless students in Texas is stated that, each person must be be treated fair and equal (Tex. Const. Art. I § 3)

Tex. Const. Art. I § 3

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The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) that allows parents to have access to their children’s education records, have school records amended, and consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from education records.

FERPA prohibits a school from disclosing personally identifiable information from students’ education records without the consent of a parent or eligible student (U.S. Department of Education, 2016).
There are exceptions to FERPA concerning homeless students. The officials at the school can release the information to a school where the student intends to enroll,  so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer [34 C.F.R. § 99.31(a)(2)].  "As such, despite the absence of a parent or guardian, schools in which unaccompanied youth enroll may be granted, without prior written consent, access to their education records for enrollment purposes" (National Center for Homeless Education, 2017).

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g

National Center for Homeless Education. (2017). Supporting the education of unaccompanied students experiencing homelessness. Retrieved from https://nche.ed.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/youth.pdf

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The Texas Education Code (TEC) §25.001(b)(5) states that a school district shall enroll a person that is homeless, “regardless of the residence of that person or either parent of that person, or of the person's legal guardian or other person having lawful control of that person” ("Texas School Selection Guidance," 2015). This means that people can register in any school in Texas, if they happen to live in that area.  Homeless students don't fall under the same restrictions because they often don't have any records, but they can still be enrolled.

Texas School Selection Guidance. (2015, March 17). Retrieved from https://www.theotx.org/resource
/texas-school-selection-
guidance/texasschoolselectionguidance/

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Slide #10 - Local Administrative Law/Policy/Rule

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Slide #10 - Local Administrative Law/Policy/Rule

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Killeen Independent School District (KiSD), follows the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and enrolls students without all the required paperwork such as birth certificate, immunization records, or proof of residence. They also provide

The official name of the KISD program for the homeless is H.A.R.P. which stands for, Homeless Awareness Response Program. Other services that KISD provides are: Referrals to community agencies such as local shelters, transitional living programs, street outreach teams (CTYS), and service providers for unaccompanied youth. Tutoring at schools and shelters and assistance in applying for financial aid for college. Referral and assistance in applying for Food Stamps, SSI, and TANF (temporary assistance for needy families). Visit www.yourtexasbenefits.com (Killeen ISD, 2018).

Killeen Independent School District. (2018). Homeless Program. Retrieved from https://www.killeenisd.org/homeless_program

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Homeless students are often self conscious and worried about other students knowing their living arrangements.  The school counselors, " have a primary obligation to the students, who are to be treated with dignity and respect as unique individuals" (ASCA, A.1.a, 2016). In addition, while there are cases of bullying on campus based on,  "ethnicity, racial identity, age, economic status, abilities/disabilities, language, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity expression, family type, religious/spiritual identity, appearance and living situations (e.g., foster care, homelessness, incarceration)." The homeless students should be sheltered from these things as much as possible. (ASCA, B.2.i, 2016).

2016 ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://asca.dev.networkats.com/school-counselors/professional-development/webinar-series/webinar-learn-more-pages/2016-asca-ethical-standards-for-school-counselors

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This resource gives general information and some statistics about homeless students. Unlike the laws and policies previously stated, this resource discusses stress, lack of emotional support, in addition to lack of hygiene homeless students face on a daily bases.  This resource also discusses one of the most useful practices for teachers and counselors homeless students. "Before addressing academic concerns, teachers should ensure that any homeless student has stable access to things like food, clothes, hygiene products, transportation, shelter, and medical care" (Writers, 2019). If we can ensure they have these basic things, they will have a better chance at being successful.

Writers, S. (2019, July 22). Resources & Advocacy for Students Experiencing Homelessness. Retrieved from https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/education-for-homeless-students/

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Resources and Advocacy for K-12 and College Students Experiencing Homelessness

According to data released by the Department of Justice, more than 1.7 million teenagers experience homelessness within the United States each year - a number that is considered low given students' reticence to share details of their living situations. Education should be a basic right of every citizen, yet far too many students who find themselves without permanent housing aren't aware of the wealth of resources available to them - both on campus and in their local communities. The following guide addresses this as well as other common barriers to academic success, current legislation, and meaningful ways that educators and administrators can make a difference for both K-12 and college students experiencing homelessness.

Fast Facts on Student Homelessness

For too long and for too many students, the issue of homelessness has not received the attention it deserves. This is especially true when considering the dramatic rise of homelessness within K-12 students over the previous decade. The statistics below show just how pervasive this issue is:

Between 2008 and 2014, homelessness in public school increased by 90 percent, jumping from 680,000 to more than 1.3 million students.

Approximately 35 percent of America's homeless population is under the age of 24.

As of 2017, approximately 14 percent of community college students were homeless, and up to two-thirds don't have enough food.

Sources: The Atlantic, U.S. Department of Education, Department of Housing and Urban Development

Reality for Homeless Students: Barriers to Academic Success

When basic needs such as running water, food, and a bed cannot be met, it stands to reason that academic success suffers. By gaining a better understanding of all the obstacles homeless students face, administrators and educators are better equipped to be an empathetic voice that advocates for them in the classroom and beyond.

Attendance Problems
Because homeless students are transient, many face barriers when it comes to finding reliable transportation, completing homework assignments, and finishing a full grade at one school. The National Network 4 Youth found that 20 percent of homeless students repeat at least one grade while in school.

Sleep Deprivation
Without access to a permanent bed of their own, many homeless students sleep wherever they can find shelter - including storage units, vehicles, shared motel rooms with other people, or even on the street. Because they seldom get a restful night's sleep, many of these students struggle to stay focused while at school.

High Stress
Aside from the normal stressors related to growing up, homeless K-12 students also must face much larger questions: When will I get my next meal? Will I be taken away from my parents? At the postsecondary level, homeless college students are often struggling to balance a full-time job while in school and are constantly concerned about being able to pay for housing, utilities, and possibly even costs related to supporting other family members.

Behavioral Issues
It's no surprise that most homeless students come from unstable families. While the lack of support from parents or siblings is stressful enough, many of these learners are also at a high risk of being exposed to traumatic events, such as domestic abuse, alcoholism, drug use, or protecting one parent from another. Data from the Institute for Children and Poverty found up to 12 percent of homeless students miss 30 days of classes due to issues at home.

Substance Abuse
Approximately 80 percent of homeless youth either actively or in the past have abused substances as a way to deal with all the trauma of their upbringing.

Shame
Regardless of their current situation, many homeless youths feel intense shame and responsibly for being homeless. In the midst of trying to balance a rigorous academic schedule, these students often feel ashamed to let friends or teachers know about their past or current homeless status.

Poor Health
Homeless students and their families rarely have quality access to healthcare, and therefore have likely neglected many preventative measures to better their health. Many of these students have never visited a pediatrician or dentist, and are too afraid to tell a physician about their living situation.

Poor Diet
It's important for children and youth to eat healthy, balanced diets that create healthy immune systems, yet for many homeless students, that scenario is not a possibility. Many of these students have grown up under-nourished, due both to lack of access to food generally and lack of access to healthy food specifically.

Poor Hygiene
When students are living out of cars or storage units, their access to running water is severely limited. This lack of access to facilities that allow them to maintain hygienic practices only adds to the sense of shame and embarrassment that uproots their emotional health.

Understanding Homelessness and Legislation for Students

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was passed into federal law during Ronald Reagan's presidency, with 2017 marking the 20th anniversary of this important legislation existing. As the most significant piece of federal law focused on homelessness within the United States, McKinney-Vento works to ensure that academic barriers to success are resolved as efficiently and effectively as possible. It also works to provide support mechanisms to ensure that, at least while at school, students have access to basic care such as education, food, and shelter.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines homeless children and youth as any individual who does not have access to a permanent and satisfactory dwelling to return home to at night. Student populations included in this definition are those who are sharing transitory housing (e.g. motel, motor home, trailer) with other people who are also experiencing loss of housing; those whose primary dwelling was not created for residence and functions in a different capacity during daytime hours; those who are living in any type of vehicle, public structure, or abandoned space; and those who are considered migrants.

The McKinney-Vento Act covers homeless children and youth who are aged 21 or younger.

Under this law, homeless students have numerous rights when it comes to access to education and services, including:

The right to be immediately enrolled in school and to participate fully in any school activities for which they are eligible - even if the child can't provide records that are typically required.

The right to attend a school in their neighborhood or district where they previously had permanent housing, regardless of their current location.

The right to receive transportation to and from school.

The right to take advantage of educational programs and services, including Title I provisions, free meals, ESL programs, special education, gifted and talented, pre-school, vocational training, and pre-/post-school childcare.

The right to receive specialized protections for homeless youth, including the ability to enroll in a school without documentation of guardianship.

The right to debate a decision about enrollment if they feel it is unfair or disadvantageous.

The right to request that a homeless educational liaison be appointed to ensure they have proper access and representation.

The rules below apply specifically to public schools, and private schools are not covered under the McKinney-Vento Act. Things that schools are required to do include:

Not discriminate against any student, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.

Eliminate any identified barriers that prevent students from fully participating in school, including any "outstanding fees or fines"- particularly those associated with extracurricular activities.

Enroll students at any time they come to the school, including mid-semester.

Not discipline or expel a student for issue related to their homelessness (e.g. missing class).

Provide free school meals, regardless of whether they provide income documentation.

Provide any medical or dental services that can be accessed at the school.

Ensure all students have access to safe and confidential services - especially when domestic abuse is a concern in their home.

Although the McKinney-Vento Act covers homeless students aged 21 and younger, the rules in place are typically focused on ensuring unaccompanied homeless youth are supported while trying to graduate from high school. That being said, the law does require schools and colleges to provide a range of services meant to help students who aspire to postsecondary education fulfill those goals. Some of these include:

Providing homeless students with access to counselors who can offer advice, counseling, and mentorship while also ensuring learners are better prepared for college.

Receiving fee waivers for college standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT.

Writing letters to prospective colleges explaining the student's situation and validating any student who marks themselves as homeless.

Students are able to request fee waivers from colleges, even if they don't have proper documentation.

The process for becoming eligible for services provided under the McKinney-Vento Act is typically straight-forward and hinges on proving the student fits within the definition of "homeless" as outlined by the law. Given that homeless student's lives are rarely straight-forward, however, this process requires a knowledgeable and patient local homeless education liaison who is able to read the definition carefully and make case-by-case decisions about each child.

Additional Laws for Homeless Students

Aside from McKinney-Vento, numerous other laws are on the books to help benefit homeless students trying to complete K-12 and college educations.

Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

Commonly known as the No Child Left Behind program, Title I funding exists to ensure low-income students can access programs and support systems designed to enhance their academic achievements. Even if a school attended by a homeless student doesn't typically receive Title I funding, provisions are in place to providing funding to offer services to that student. Examples of support mechanisms include tutoring programs, after-school programs, and individualized support.

Head Start Act

Since 2007, Head Start has worked to prepare students in low-income areas for grade school by providing pre-school programs. While not specifically aimed at homeless learners, they typically meet all the requirements for receiving the service. At present day, however, the issue is that demand far outweighs supply. Many students are placed on waiting lists at their neighborhood school, but homeless learners who are constantly moving may struggle to take up their spot when the time comes.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

IDEA was enacted to ensure learners with disabilities - including those who are homeless - are able to receive specialized educational services that address individual learning disabilities. Because homeless students have a higher risk of exhibiting learning or developmental delays, laws like IDEA ensure they have access to all the same services, regardless of their home situation.

Child Nutrition Act

CNA exists to ensure students from low-income families have access to free and/or reduced meals at school that are healthy and filling. While most parents must complete an application and show proof of income to qualify, parents of homeless students are permitted to bypass this step so their children are immediately eligible.

Identifying and Helping Homeless Students in the Classroom

Because homeless students often are embarrassed about their situations, it may not be immediately clear whether they lack permanent housing. Teachers who understand the warning signs are equipped to look for the signs, while those who understand the services better are far more prepared to ensure every student - regardless of their situation - has access to tailored services and programs to help them thrive. It's also important to remember that the warning signs listed below are often hallmarks of homelessness, yet every student is different and may exhibit different warning signs.

Warning Signs

Academic difficulties Students often come to school unprepared (e.g. no homework to turn in), and/or they struggle to focus while in class. This may include acting out in front of other students, difficulty staying awake through lessons, inability to properly absorb lessons, or being otherwise scattered and disconnected from learning.

Documentation challenges Documents typically required to enroll a child in school include proof of guardianship, proof of residency, immunization records, records from previous schools, and teacher recommendations. For many homeless students, however, lots of these documents are either hard to come by or simply don't exist.

Social and behavioral issues For many homeless students, their lives at home are unstable at best, while others have traumatic or anxiety-inducing experiences on a daily basis. Some of the ways these incidents manifest themselves behaviorally include difficulty trusting people, shyness, low self-esteem, fears about abandonment, dependency, and a fear of leaving school at the end of the day.

Poor health and nutrition Because homeless students often lack access to consistent, healthy meals, they may arrive at school having not eaten since receiving a meal at school the previous day. This can lead to students being disconnected in classroom settings, but also problems such as being frequently sick or malnourished.

Poor hygiene and wardrobe issues Students who lack access to running water or washing machines may show signs of homelessness by wearing the same clothes continually without them being cleaned. They may also exhibit oily skin or hair, or strong body odors, since they aren't able to bathe regularly.

Lack of continuity in school Homeless students tend to move around a lot because they have no fixed and permanent home. Students from this population are far more likely to miss large amounts of school days and repeat grades because they simply don't have the stability in place to be in attendance daily. It can also be difficult to ascertain their prior learning if records from previous schools attended aren't available.

Lack of support Unlike other students whose parents pack their lunches, bring them to school, and help with homework, homeless students often must motivate themselves to complete assignments, wake up on time for school, find food (if available), and figure out how to get to school each day. Teachers may never meet the parents of these students, as they don't have independent transportation to drop-off and pick-up their children or to attend parent-teacher conferences.

Unexplained absences Students who frequently discuss visiting relatives or going out of town for other inexplicable reasons, yet lack access to transportation, are often staying in short-term housing (or actively looking for shelter), making it difficult for them to come to school each day.

Avoidance of personal details Students typically aren't shy when it comes to talking about their parents or siblings, but homeless students often feel shame about their circumstances and may be reticent to share little or any details about their home life. This can also manifest in them being aloof around other students or not having many friends at school.

Inability to complete projects While most homework assignments are typically done on worksheets or notebook paper, special projects requiring students to have specific supplies (such as construction paper, glue, etc.) may present problems as students have no access to these materials and no money to purchase them. Students who regularly fail to turn in these types of assignments may have no way to get ahold of even basic school supplies.

What to Do Once Homeless Status is Confirmed

Once an educator confirms that a student is homeless, there are steps they should follow to ensure the student is getting support. Because of laws like McKinney-Vento, public schools are required to provide a range of supports, but often students need the help of teachers and guidance counselors to properly access these services. Some of the steps teachers can take to best care for their students include:

Ensure basic needs are met
Before addressing academic concerns, teachers should ensure that any homeless student has stable access to things like food, clothes, hygiene products, transportation, shelter, and medical care. They should also work with school administrators to ensure that, if a student moves or their circumstances change, updated services are provided.

Complete an educational assessment
Even if a student is meant to be starting fourth grade, they may not be academically prepared. At the start of the school year, teachers should assess the child's skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic to ascertain their ability - especially if previous school records are unavailable.

Create a check-in for new students
Whether that means eating lunch in the homeroom or taking a few moments at the end of the day, teachers should try to chat with new students for a few moments to find out how they are settling in and if they feel comfortable. For shy students, it may be helpful to assign them a task or encourage them to take part in a student activity.

Create a buddy system
Especially during the first few weeks of attending a new school, having a buddy with whom to eat lunch, walk to class, or get to know the premises can help students settle in and feel more comfortable in their new environment.

Maintain structure
Homeless students often have little to no structure in their lives outside school, so creating a routine with clear rules can help them adjust to their surroundings and calm some of their fears.

Make time for assignments at school
If students are struggling to complete homework, consider building time into daily lesson plans where assignments can be done at school (using on-site school supplies).

Monitor grades
If a teacher suspects that tutoring would help a homeless student better engage with coursework, they should proactively work to ensure that the learner has access to these services - either at the school or a community center nearby. This is also true of counseling services.

What K-12 Schools are Doing to Help

When it comes to helping homeless students and their families, even the most basic support services can have tremendously positive effects on both their academic performance and their future. There are many programs popping up in schools and local communities to help this population find access to support systems and services that help them regain their dignity and achieve their academic goals.

When students don't have access to proper nutrition, their ability to learn suffers. Science has shown that nutrition not only increases brain function, it also can help produce better behavior and support mental concentration, perception, and reasoning skills. The National School Lunch Program has been around since 1946 and provides free or heavily subsidizes lunches and snacks for children who would benefit from a federally-assisted meal program - including homeless students.

Higher Education for Homeless Students

Attending college may feel completely out of reach to students who are struggling to complete high school without a permanent roof over their heads, but many aren't aware of the resources and support programs available to help them get into college, find housing, have access to food, and secure transportation.

Programs for College-Bound Homeless Students

Programs are available to help high school students prepare for postsecondary educations and get ahead once they reach college. While some programs are organized via the federal government, others are managed by individual states or nonprofits.
Middle College High Schools
Since their creation in the 1970's, middle colleges have worked to provide an expedited path to high school diplomas for students who would benefit from a less stringent learning environment. By combining a core set of high school classes alongside several community college courses, students are able to meet the requirements of a diploma while also building credit toward a future degree. Learners must be at least 16-years-old to participate. Examples include Gary Middle College in Indiana and the Metro Nashville Early College High School.
Running Start
This program, which is currently only available in Washington and Hawaii, operates in a similar fashion as other dual enrollment programs throughout the country. By providing up to two years of free tuition at any of the state's community colleges - and select four-year institutions - degree seekers enrolled in Running Start are able to work towards a degree without having the financial stress associated with paying for credits. Students must be in 11th or 12th grade to enroll, and they're responsible for additional costs such as books, fees, and transportation.
Upward Bound
Operating as a federally funded program, Upward Bound works to ensure that students who are typically at a disadvantage for going to college have the training and access needed to succeed. The program mainly works with students who are classified as low-income, the first in their family to attend college, or living in rural areas. By enrolling in intensive programs during the summer months, high schoolers can take advantage of college prep classes in areas of math, sciences, composition, foreign languages, and literature. A special emphasis is placed on ensuring students have proper support mechanisms, including tutoring, advising, access to work-study opportunities, and cultural enrichment.
GEAR UP
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is another federally funded program that dispenses funds to state governments for the education of low-income learners. GEAR UP is a cohort-based program whereby students, beginning with seventh grade and moving through senior year, participate in a range of programs designed to raise the number of learners who attend - and graduate from - college.
Work experience programs
In addition to all the knowledge that homeless students can pick up in high school, there are many skills that are best taught outside the classroom. Work experience programs are great for rounding out a student's knowledge base, ensuring they understand the importance of soft skills such as time management, self-discipline, and professionalism. The California Department of Education is home to Work Experience Education (WEE), while the Coalition for the Homeless maintains the First Step Job Experience program.

On- and Off-Campus Support for Homeless College Students

Having continued support while attending college can increase homeless students' chances of succeeding in school. Colleges and communities throughout the U.S. are stepping up to serve this population in meaningful ways that encourage academic, emotional and physical balance.

On-Campus Programs and Initiatives for Homeless College Students
Campus transition, engagement and academic support programs
Programs like Florida State University's Unconquered Scholars and the University of Utah's Student Homelessness Task Force exist to ensure students receive support and opportunities to participate in campus life throughout the lifespan of their college career. Aside from letting homeless students know that they are known and cared for, these programs provide a range of helpful services. Examples include one-to-one advising, skills workshops, financial aid assistance and workshops, coaching on adjusting to college life, and counseling services.
Campus food pantries
Worrying about food is the last thing a college student should be doing when trying to get good grades and balance a job/internship, but sadly it's the reality for far too many degree seekers. Many food pantries have opened on college campuses in the last few years, including those at the University of Massachusetts at Boston, The University of Arizona, and George Mason University. Some of the services provided include access to healthy and fresh foods, a range of hygienic products, weekly pick-ups, and specialized food for those with dietary restrictions.
Case management
Programs like Kennesaw State University's CARE Management and Florida Atlantic University's Case Management/Student Advocacy work to ensure students are connected with individual case managers who can direct them to services that address their specific needs. In addition to sharing resources such as food pantries, transportation services, and medical care, these programs also help to address any grading concerns or academic issues students encounter while working towards their degrees.
On-campus housing
According to data released by the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 32,000 students identified themselves as "unaccompanied homeless youth" when filling out their FAFSA forms. Unfortunately, many college students are living in cars or other impermanent structures, making it difficult for them to focus on schoolwork. A number of college programs now exist to help students who find themselves in similar situations. Kennesaw State University's CARE Center provides 365-day housing and emergency shelter alongside access to basic hygienic products, gently used clothing, and food. Another example, Sacramento State, recently launched the Student Emergency Housing Program that provides 30 days of food and shelter to students in immediate need.

Off-Campus Programs for Homeless Students
Off-campus housing for students
If colleges don't have adequate housing for homeless students, or it is too expensive for them, they still have many options to choose from. Programs like Students for Students (S4S) in Los Angeles and Y2Y Harvard in Boston offer housing for students, by students. Aside from providing a consistent roof over their heads, formerly homeless
College meal assistance
Although many colleges are now working to provide food pantries and other campus-based meal assistance, sometimes students need a bit more help to survive. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provide students with governmental assistance to keep food in the cupboard, but it does require them to work at least 20 hours per week. Swipe Out Hunger is an innovative program where college students donate extra meal points at the end of each semester, which are then given to homeless students to use on campus. Aside from providing food, this program makes it possible for homeless students to eat at campus-based dining halls and interact with other students.
Resource connection services
Students have enough on their minds with schoolwork to worry about finding individual services and resources. Rather than students having to search for things like housing, food, transportation, or suitable technology, organizations like Single Stop USA offer an overarching network of common services, thereby providing a one-stop-shop for basic help. The California Homeless Youth Project is another similar program, providing a comprehensive set of resources for all the most common needs of homeless college students.

In addition to all the helpful information and resources found on this page, homeless students can also learn about numerous college resources designed to support low income students as they work towards a degree. Check out the guide below to learn more.

Get Involved: How You Can Help Homeless Students

Even if you aren't on the frontlines of serving homeless K-12 or college students as an education professional, there are still many important ways to be involved in supporting these young learners. Individuals who have the means to support the fight against youth homelessness in monetary ways can find many worthy organizations accepting donations, while those who wish to donate their time can do so at one of the countless innovative organizations that actively seek volunteers.

Coalition for the Homeless Each year, Coalition for the Homeless organizes Project: Back to School, a supply drive for homeless kids who don't have the money to purchase basic school necessities such as backpacks, notebooks, binders, and pencils.

Coalition on Homelessness Individuals who want to donate funds to buy backpacks, school supplies, books, and basic health items can contribute to this Seattle-based organization.

Homeless Children's Playtime Project This D.C.-based nonprofit works to ensure that homeless students can engage in play programs at school and takes donations in the form of games and money.

Homeless Children's Education Fund Pittsburg's HCEF offers mini-grants for educational enrichment programs tailored to the needs of homeless students.

Human I-T This nonprofit works to address the lack of access to technology that can help homeless students progress in school and complete assignments when they can't get to the school library. Donations can be made in the form of used/new electronics or money.

Positive Tomorrows The innovative program at PT allows donors to pay for specific services for homeless students, including field trips, supplies, shots and health checks, and other educational fees.

Project Night Night Each year, Project Night Night provides 25,000 packages to homeless students aged 12 and under, including blankets, books, and stuffed animals.

Spring ISD Homeless Resource Center This organization launched a "Dress for Success" program that collects donations of clothing or money to help homeless high school students find suitable attire when interviewing for jobs, internships, or colleges.

YouthCare Each year, this organization supports thousands of homeless students by providing items ranging from art supplies and journals to sports equipment and shoes.

A Child's Place Individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina who are looking for actionable ways to support homeless students need look no further than A Child's Place. This nonprofit offers volunteer roles ranging from lunch buddies (volunteers visit school once per week to spend time with a child) to tutors and classroom assistants.

Homemade Hope Dallas's Homemade Hope is not only working to eradicate homelessness in the city, it's also ensuring that homeless students have access to strong, empathetic adults who support them. Volunteer roles include tutor, after-school cooking, field-trip chaperone, and many other positions.

Horizons for Homeless Children With a focus on engaging homeless children in play, volunteers are needed at this nonprofit to volunteer with children living in shelters and act as Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs).

Housing Families This short-term shelter for homeless families is always looking for volunteers who can help engage students during their time at the center. Current volunteer opportunities include providing childcare, driving the children's van, and acting as an after-school tutor.

Monarch Started in San Diego as a small education program, today Monarch operates as a comprehensive K-12 school for some of the 23,000 homeless students living in the county. Volunteers are needed to provide tutoring, mentorship, after-school care, and many other services.

New York Cares Individuals living in the Big Apple can volunteer to work with children living in homeless shelters or other unfixed housing, providing a range of educational support services based on individual needs.

Schools on Wheels This national organization offers remote tutoring services to homeless youth powered almost entirely by volunteers. Current roles include tutor, peer tutor (for 16 to 18-year-olds), tutor coordinator, group tutor, or online tutor.

Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership Based in Frederick County, Maryland, SHIP works to provide a range of services to homeless youth and is always looking for volunteers. Roles may include creating hygiene sets, coordinating a range of extracurricular activities, teaching at art camp, coaching sports, or doing a shift in the emergency shelter.

Volunteers of America This national organization works in many different parts of the country to solve youth homelessness. One of the more unique programs they have - and need volunteers for - is Brightening Birthdays. If you want to volunteer to help arrange a birthday party for a homeless child, VOA has an opportunity for you.

Youth on their Own Based in Arizona, this group works to educate homeless teens and is in constant need of volunteers who can work directly with homeless youth to affect their lives in positive ways.

Derek Vasconi: Overcoming Homelessness and Completing an Education

When he was 17-years-old, Derek Vasconi was forced to leave his mother's house and became homeless. Despite months of living in parks, he was able to complete a college degree at Penn State in human development and psychology. He is also an avid writer, having published KAI, an award-winning Japanese horror novel.

Seeking Help: Additional Resources for Homeless Students

Looking to find out about a few more resources that actively support and encourage homeless students? The websites below connect to national resources that can ensure students stay fed and sheltered.

College and University Food Bank Alliance
Homeless students looking to find out if their college (or one that is nearby) operates a food bank can use CUFBA's database to make quick work of their search.

Feeding America
Homeless students looking to find a food bank in their community can use Feeding America's national database to see what is closest to them.

Homeless Shelter Directory
This website currently maintains a database of more than 12,000 emergency food programs in America, ranging from shelters and food pantries to soup kitchens and food banks.

HUD Exchange
The Department of Housing and Urban Develop maintains a comprehensive range of resources designed specifically to serve homeless youth, including several paths to finding safe and permanent housing.

National Alliance to End Homelessness
NAEH provides an exhaustive section of its website devoted to addressing the health concerns and needs of homeless students in America, including information on how they can get help.

Sublet.com
This national website is a great resource for high school and college students who are trying to find cheap, short-term housing where they can get on their feet without breaking the bank.

National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Individuals who are experiencing homelessness while in school can use this resource to learn about their rights and find helpful resources (such as test fee waivers) to propel them forward.

National Health Care for the Homeless Council
Homeless students who need to visit a doctor or have a procedure done can contact this agency to learn about their options and receive quality care referrals.

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Students experiencing homelessness don't have anywhere to go. Education should be a basic right of every citizen, yet far too many students

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Advocating for homeless students is a huge task for counselors, due to the fact that many of them are experiencing multiple issues.  However, there are some very important practices counselors, teachers and staff can adopt to give these students proper support for future success.  WE CAN:
*Abide by all federal and state and school guidelines and concerning the homeless students (equal access, attendance, registration, school choice, transportation etc.)
*Advocate for your students
*Build a relationship with the homeless students, and their parents.
*Utilize all resources at the school and in the surrounding community. (donations, mentoring, internships)
*Provide items that Homeless Awareness and Response Program (H.A.R.P.) doesn't provide like bus tokens.
*Train staff to look for signs of homelessness such as dirty clothing, sleeping all the time, and extreme hunger.
*Provide snacks as requested.
*Provide extra tutoring time
*Meet your student where they are, when they are ready to talk, they will.