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Homelessness Assistance

IPS provides services to students and families experiencing homelessness in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Act. The McKinney-Vento Act ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless students.

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence. Any displaced child or youth who is residing temporarily with family or friends due to economic hardship or loss of housing, or is living in a shelter, motel or campgrounds, or is couch surfing.

Children and youth in transition who fit the McKinney-Vento definition have certain rights, including:

  • Immediate enrollment, even if they lack the documents needed at the time of enrollment.
  • Free meals and textbooks.
  • Assistance with retrieval of immunization records and birth certificates
  • Transportation to and from the school of origin.
  • Referrals to community resources (i.e., counseling, medical, dental and mental health referrals).
  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) verification letters.
  • Participation in before and after-school programs.
  • School uniforms and school supplies.
  • Cap and gowns for graduating seniors. 

IDOE McKinney-Vento Act Contacts and Links

Charie Gibson
CGibson1@doe.in.gov

  • INEHCY — Indiana Education for Homeless Children and Youth
  • NCHE — National Center for Homeless Education 
  • NAEHCY — National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth