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Homeless Education Program

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MPS offers services to families and students experiencing homelessness through school-based and centrally-based programs. The Homeless Education Program is located at MPS Central Services, 5225 W. Vliet Street, and a school-based homeless contact is in every MPS school to assist families and students experiencing homelessness.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines children and youth experiencing homelessness as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.” This definition includes children and youth who have lost housing due to economic difficulties and are sharing the housing of others (doubled-up); living in motels, hotels, transitional or emergency shelters; or, whose nighttime residence is a place not normally used for housing. Migratory and unaccompanied children and youth whose living situation meets the McKinney-Vento definition of homeless are eligible for services under the Act as well.

Children and youth who meet the McKinney-Vento definition of homeless have rights and are eligible for services under The Act.  A few examples include access to free school meals, school supplies, school fee waivers, the right to stay in the right to stay in the school (the school of origin) they attended prior to becoming homeless.

Parents/guardians of children or unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness should discuss the situation with the school social worker or with the homeless liaisons in the Homeless Education Program in the Office of Student Services so eligibility can be determined and services coordinated. Call (414) 475-8911 for more information.

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  Who is homeless according to the McKinney-Vento Act?

Children, youth, and/or families are homeless if they are:

  • Living doubled up with another family because they have no other choice
  • Staying in shelters, including domestic abuse shelters
  • Living in locations such as:
    • Motels
    • Hotels
    • Cars
    • Parks
    • Abandoned buildings

 

  What do I do if I am homeless?

If you are in a homeless situation, talk to the school social worker at your child’s school.  The social worker can enroll you child in the Homeless Education Program and assist you in obtaining services, such as free school supplies or transportation to the school of origin.

  What do I do if I am forced to move from my home?

You should do the following:

Talk to your school's social worker who may be able to help you with community resources, enroll your children in the Homeless Education Program and request transportation so your children can continue attending their school of origin if you become homeless.

Contact your MPS homeless coordinator at (414) 475-8911 to get help in enrolling your child in a new school or to keep your children in the school they were attending before you moved.

Tell your new school what will help your children succeed.

Ask the school's School Social Worker for help in getting food, clothing and school supplies.

  How can the Homeless Education Program (HEP) help?

The HEP explains your rights and helps you get the following services at no cost:

  • Enrollment assistance, including help in obtaining needed school and medical records and immunizations
  • Transportation to the school of origin
  • Free breakfast/lunch
  • Tutorial programs
  • Before and after school programs
  • Books and school supplies
  • Waiver of school fees
  • Preschool/early education programs
  • Translation to  the school of origin and ESL services
  • Referral to social services agencies, community resources, and other related services that can assist homeless families with basic needs
  • Assistance with appeal process if you feel your rights have been denied

Resources

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Homeless Education Program Brochures

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Student Rights Letter regarding McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

Homeless but not helpless

Contact

Phone: 414-475-8911  

We provide help with:

  • Enrollment, including help in obtaining needed school and medical records and immunizations
  • Transportation
  • Free breakfast/lunch
  • Tutorial programs
  • Before- and after- school programs
  • Books and school supplies
  • Waiver of school fees
  • Preschool/early education programs
  • Translation and ESL services
  • Referral to social services agencies, community resources, and other related services
  • Assistance with appeal process if you feel your rights have been denied
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