Overview
Welcome to the Homelessness and Students in Transition page of our school district website, dedicated to supporting students who may qualify under the designation of homelessness. We understand the unique challenges that students experiencing homelessness face and are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.
In Pennsylvania, the definition of homelessness extends beyond the traditional understanding of lacking a permanent residence. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law, and the Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program provide a broad definition of homelessness. According to these guidelines, a student may be considered homeless if they:
- children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals;
- children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
- children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings;
- “migratory children” who qualify as homeless under federal law because the children are living in circumstances described in clauses (i) through (iii) above. The term "migratory children" means children who are (or whose parent(s) or spouse(s) are) migratory agricultural workers, including migratory dairy workers or migratory fishermen, and who have moved from one school district to another in the preceding 36 months, in order to obtain (or accompany such parents or spouses in order to obtain) temporary or seasonal employment in agricultural or fishing work; and,
- "Unaccompanied homeless youth" including any child who is "not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian." This includes youth who have run away from home, been thrown out of their home, been abandoned by parents or guardians, or separated from their parents for any other reason.
It is important to recognize that homelessness can have a significant impact on a student's educational journey. We are dedicated to ensuring that students who meet the criteria receive the support they need to succeed academically and have equal access to educational opportunities.
On this page, you will find information about the rights and services available to students experiencing homelessness. We provide resources to assist families in navigating the enrollment process, accessing educational services, and connecting with community support organizations. Our district liaisons, who specialize in supporting homeless students, are available to provide guidance and assistance in addressing individual needs.
