McKinney-Vento (Unhoused) & Family Resources

Any child who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence is considered eligible, including those who are temporarily sharing housing with others due to loss of housing or economic hardship.  This includes children and youth who are living in hotels; camping grounds; emergency shelter; cars; bus or train stations, or other similar settings; unaccompanied youth; transitional housing programs and children in foster or temporary placements.   

Our schools provide equal and comparable access to all students regardless of their home living situation. McKinney-Vento eligible children and youth have specific rights that include:

• Maintain attendance at the school of origin-current school for the remainder of the current school year (if this is in the child's best interest and feasible) or enroll in the neighborhood school currently residing;
• Transportation assistance if needed;
• Eligible for FREE food services;
• Appropriate support services and programs for which they are eligible, such as gifted, children with disabilities, vocational education, preschool;
• Receive academic assistance through the district's federally funded Title I program; and
• Parent or guardian involvement in school activities;   

If the school district places your child(ren) in a school other than the school of origin or the school you request, you have the right to appeal that decision.  The Dispute Resolution Process can be found here:

Dispute Resolution Process 

As part of the process, you will need to complete the McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution Process Petition to Appeal Form

If you have a student/child who may qualify for McKinney-Vento service or would like more information, please contact your school counselor or our district liaison Gudrun Sullivan

Students identified as unhoused under the McKinney-Vento Act automatically qualify for free and reduced-price meals upon enrollment.  

National Center for Homeless Education

What You Need to Know to Help Your Child in School

Metropolitan Development Council of Tacoma 

Nourish Food Banks of Pierce County

Caring for Kids 

APPLE Health/Medicaid, for Kids & Adults 

If your child qualifies for McKinney-Vento and is struggling in school, please contact Gudrun Sullivan, Executive Director of Student Services, for additional resources. 

 National Center for Homeless Education