Homelessness

Education for Children & Youth Experiencing Homelessness

In compliance with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as reauthorized in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Vision Academy Charter School appointed Mr. Bingham as Homeless and Foster Youth Liaison to lead our efforts to ensure the McKinney-Vento Act law is upheld for students experiencing homelessness.  Homeless and Foster Youth Liaison helps school staff identify these youth and direct them toward needed resources and support through connection to other services and agencies.

The term homeless children and youth is defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.  This includes individuals:

  • Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason;
  • Living in a motel, hotel, trailer park or campground due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
  • Living in emergency or transitional shelters;
  • Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations or similar settings;
  • Living in substandard housing (no running water or working utilities, infestations, etc.).

Children who are experiencing homelessness may qualify for assistance with free school lunch, school supplies/materials, tutoring and transportation so that they can remain in their school of origin throughout the duration of their homeless episode.

If you believe your child(ren) may qualify for this service, please contact Mr. Bingham, Homeless and Foster Youth Liaison, by email: bingham@vacharter.org or call (484) 466-2124.

If your living situation changes during the school year, and you and your children become homeless, please be sure to contact the school.  We will work with you so that your child(ren)’s education is disrupted as little as possible.

About McKinney-Vento

The McKinney–Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act guarantees a free and appropriate public education for all homeless children and youth. B.E.C. 42 U.S.C. 11431 outlines procedures for deciding school placement, enrolling students, and determining responsibility. Federal and state laws make our responsibility clear.

McKinney-Vento Act Basics At-a-Glance:

What is the definition of a “homeless youth” under McKinney-Vento?

“Homeless” is defined as “anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence.”

What situations fit this definition?

  • Staying in the home of other people due to unavailable housing, financial hardship, or similar circumstances
  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks (in some instances – examples: leaking roof, no heat, etc.), public places, or campgrounds due to unavailable suitable housing options
  • Living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing
  • Unaccompanied (not living in direct care of legal parent or guardian) or runaway youth
  • Refugee and migrant youth

How does McKinney-Vento help these students?

The law makes sure that these students receive a free and suitable public education by removing barriers to school enrollment and full, basic, daily participation in school activities. This includes:

  • Immediate enrollment as long as other students living in the same area would be eligible to attend the school, unless there is overcrowding or a specialized selection process.
  • Free and Reduced School Lunch
  • Help from school with any necessary enrollment documents
  • Help from school setting up transportation service (if the student qualifies)
  • Help from school with getting basic uniform clothing
  • Help from school with basic school supplies
  • Help from school with any basic clothing needs

Where can I find more information for Pennsylvania?

Local Assistance and Resources