BRANCH COUNTY COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC & SEXUAL VIOLENCE
McKinney-Vento: Homeless Children and Youth Program
The McKinney-Vento Act:
Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are eligible for McKinney-Vento services. In general, children or youth living in motels, transitional housing, shelters, the street, cars, abandoned buildings, and other inadequate accommodations. This includes, but is not limited to, the following groups:
- Doubled-up: Living with another family/ friend due to lack of a permanent residence
- Shelters: Including transitional living programs
- Living in motels: Due to lack of alternative adequate living situation
- Inadequate space: Homes that are overcrowded, without electricity, without water, broken windows, etc
- Migratory children: If accommodations are not fit for habitation
- Unaccompanied youth: Children not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian, even if they can go back to the home of their parents
Rights:
The Education for Homeless Children and Youth program, which is part of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, ensures that eligible children have the following rights:
- Choice of school: Children eligible for McKinney-Vento services may attend their school of origin (school last attended or school attended when child lost permanent housing) or attend the school that serves their temporary living situation (choice of caregiver)
- Immediate enrollment: Even if medical or other records, birth certificates, or transcripts cannot be produced at time of enrollment
- Transportation: Transportation must be provided, if requested
- Preschool: Priority consideration to preschool programs for eligible youngsters
- Free lunch & fee waivers: Categorically eligible for free lunch
- Supplemental tutoring: If needed
Support Offered:
McKinney-Vento funds can be used to assist students with:
- Academic supports
- Basic school supplies
- Basic school clothes
- Hygiene items
- Fees paid for field trips
- Purchase of cap and gowns for graduating high school seniors
- Free lunch
- Transportation assistance
- Specialized training and professional development for teachers and other school staffers
997 Students Experienced Homelessness in Branch and Hillsdale Counties during the 2022-2023 School Year
42% of children experiencing homelessness are under the age of 6
Children experiencing homelessness go hungry 2 times as often as their stability housed peers
Students experiencing homelessness are 3 times more likely to experience PTSD than their housed peers
Children experiencing homelessness are 9 times more likely to repeat a grade
28% of LGBTQ youth experienced homelessness or housing instability in their lives
1 in 5 students experiencing homelessness will drop out of high school
Empty Bowls
Empty Bowls began in 1990 as an art class project in a Michigan high school to raise funds for a food drive. Students made ceramic bowls, served a meal of soup and bread, and invited guests to keep the bowl as a reminder of hunger in the world. Wanting to do something to bring awareness to our community about homelessness and raising money for the McKinney-Vento Act, the McKinney-Vento Grant Grant Coordinator decided to bring the empty bowls event to our community. Much like the original event, high school students are invited to make ceramic bowls or to decorate bowls provided to them. Then in November, the community is invited to purchase bowls, enjoy a soup meal, and learn about homelessness. (I can provide you photos of bowls and event details).
Please use the Contact Form or call (517) 278-SAFE with any questions.
Altrusa Teen SHARE (Student Housing And Resource Exchange) is a homeless shelter and program for teenagers in Branch County and the surrounding areas. Since 1996 this program has allowed a safe haven for teens. Each student is assessed individually to see if our services will meet the needs of the teen. These teens have become homeless due to various circumstances. They include parent neglect, substance abuse and innumerable circumstances that landed them in this situation. Visit the Altrusa Teenshare page by clicking here.
Contact Us
Questions? Let us know how we can help. You can also make a referral for a student you believe should be identified as McKinney-Vento using this form.
McKinney-Vento Grant Coordinator for Branch
and Hillsdale Counties
Holly Carpenter
mckinneyvento@278safe.com
(517) 278-7233
