Homelessness Support

The Millcreek Township School District has developed procedures and policies to support students who may be experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 2001.

Students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence may qualify as a protected youth under this Federal Law. 

Some reasons that students may qualify as a homeless youth include:

• Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing due to economic hardship.
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations. 
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters. 
• Abandoned in hospital or awaiting foster care. 

Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designated for regular sleeping accommodations may be considered homeless. 

Children and youths living in cars, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings are considered homeless.

Students who are determined to be homeless, due to a lack of fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are entitled to:

• Attend the school of origin or school of current residence.
• Remain in chosen school for the remainder of the year once they are permanently housed.

• Immediate enrollment.

• Transportation.

• Immediate access to educational services for which they are eligible.

• Free meals provided by the district through federal, state, or local food programs.

• Attend the school of choice during enrollment disputes. 

• Appeal placement decisions made by the District.