The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act defines a homeless student as one who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Shelby County Schools McKinney Grant funds are used to provide services to homeless children and youth to facilitate enrollment, retention, and educational success.

• If your family lives in any of the following situations, you may be considered homeless:

  • In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground

  • On the street

  • In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations, or

  • Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot afford housing.

To find out if your child qualifies for homeless services, please speak to your school guidance counselor, or call Federal Programs at 205-682-7072.

• If your child is deemed eligible for the homeless program, he/she has the right to:

  • Access to the same public education as other children

  • Continue in the school they attended before becoming homeless (i.e., school of origin), if feasible. If a school believes it is in the best interests of your child to attend a school other than the one you request, the school must provide you with a written explanation and offer you the right to appeal the decision.

  • Transportation assistance to/from school

  • Participate in all programs and activities that are available to non-homeless students

  • Enroll immediately in school. The school will work with parents to obtain the necessary records.

    
    

• Services are provided as deemed necessary to students that qualify for the homeless program. Services may include, but are not limited to:

  • Tutoring

  • After School Care (in the event parents are working between 3:00 and 6:00 PM)

  • School supplies

  • Class fees/dues assistance

  • Field Trip Assistance

  • Clothing

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Referral for medical, dental, vision, counseling

  • Free school breakfast/lunch

  • Counseling

If you would like more information concerning the homeless program in Shelby County, please contact the Shelby County Schools McKinney-Vento Liaison, Beth Fuller, at 682-7072.

As a parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth, you have the right to dispute decisions regarding eligibility for McKinney-Vento and/or placement for school attendance under McKinney-Vento eligibility. You can access information on your right to file a dispute and view the procedures required to file a dispute here: McKinney-Vento Dispute Procedures and Form