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Homeless Resources

The following information is provided by the National Center for Homeless Education.

If you live in any of the following situations

  • In a shelter
  • In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
  • In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
  • Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship


You may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Eligible students have the right to:

  • Receive a free, appropriate public education.
  • Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required
    for enrollment.
  • Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.
  • Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is their preference.
    • If the school district believes that the school selected is not in his/her best interest, then the district must provide the student with a written explanation of its position and inform the student of his/her right to appeal its decision.
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
  • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the students’ needs.

If you believe you may be eligible, contact the local liaison to find out what services and supports may be available. 

Local Liason
Megan Mahaffey
815-220-2757

State Coordinator
Kate Ulmer
217-782-5270

If you need further assistance with your educational needs,  contact the National Center for Homeless Education:

1-800-308-2145
homeless@serve.org
http://nche.ed.gov

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