Learn more about the McKinney-Vento Homeless program through the National Center for Homeless Education.
Bellaire Board of Education Policy 5111.01 regarding Homeless Students
Who is Eligible for Services?
Any student who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate overnight residence (at any time during the school year) may be eligible to receive services.
- Students may be found living in the following situations: In a shelter, motel, vehicle, camper, or campground
- Temporarily sharing the housing of friends or family (“doubled-up”) due to economic hardship
- Unaccompanied youth living on their own, without a parent or guardian
- Inadequate accommodations (lack of electricity, heat, plumbing, or overcrowding)
- Abandoned buildings, or on the street
- Students who are couch surfing, staying with friends
- Displaced due to natural disaster or fire
Services Available
- Assistance in maintaining school stability
- Assistance with enrollment in school and transfer of student records
- Assistance with full participation in school (extracurricular activities and sports)
- Assistance with school transportation
- College admissions support (registration, FAFSA, scholarships, etc.)
- Clothing for school purposes
- Free school breakfast and lunch
- Liaison between family and school personnel
- Personal hygiene products
- Referrals to community agencies
- School supplies and backpacks
School Rights You May Not Know You Have
If you live in any of the following situations, you may be eligible for rights and services provided by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act:
- In a shelter or on the street
- In a motel or campground
- In a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station
- Couch surfing/doubled up with others due to loss of housing, foreclosure, eviction, or economic hardship
- Inadequate living accommodations (i.e. overcrowding, lack of plumbing, heating, or electricity)
- Youth living on their own, without a parent or legal guardian
You also have the right to:
- Enroll in and attend school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there
- Continue attending the same school after experiencing loss of housing, or transfer to a new school
- Receive transportation assistance, if possible
- Receive school meal programs
- Receive Title I services
How to Access Support
All school districts have a McKinney-Vento Liaison to support students who are experiencing housing instability. If you are experiencing housing instability as defined above, reach out to our district's McKinney-Vento Liaison.
Resources/Links:
Do You Have a Place to Sleep Tonight?
Community Resources Quick Links
- Additional information can also be found in the Middle/High School handbook under the heading "Outside Services" in the Health & Safety section.
Food Assistance
Housing Assistance
Emergency Shelter Assistance
Utility Assistance
McKinney-Vento Resources