The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act guarantees school enrollment for children and youth experiencing homelessness. In Virginia, the program is called Project HOPE-Virginia and is administered by The College of William & Mary School of Education. 

 

Here are some things to know about the McKinney-Vento program in Virginia:
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  • Eligibility
    You may be eligible for McKinney-Vento if you:
  • Are temporarily in an emergency shelter or transitional housing
  • Are living in a motel, hotel, car, RV, public space, or abandoned building
  • Are living with relatives or friends due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason

Eligibility Form: McKinney-Vento Identification Form 2024-2025

Please be sure to select the correct school year you are requesting McKinney-Vento services for on the application. Please be sure to provide as much information as you are willing on the application when describing your current living situation.

 

Children and youth who lack fixed, regular, and adequate housing have certain educational rights. Here are some key tips for navigating your child’s rights under the McKinney-Vento Act:

  •  You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school.  
  •  Your child cannot be denied school enrollment when school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available.
  •  Your child may be able to remain in the same school (school of origin) even if you move.
  •  You have the right to request transportation to the school of origin.
  •  If you and the school disagree about school enrollment, you may have the right to appeal.
  •  Your child automatically qualifies to participate in free school meals.
  •  Your child has the right to participate in federal, state, or local programs for which they are eligible.
  •  Youth not accompanied by a parent or guardian and lacking fixed, regular, and adequate housing have these same rights.

 

 

For questions regarding McKinney-Vento, please contact our McKinney-Vento Liaison, JoAnna McCue-Martin at 540-635-2725 or jmartin@wcps.k12.va.us

 

 

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