Homeless Information

What is McKinney-Vento?
The McKinney-Vento Act is federal legislation, in effect since 1987, that ensures the rights and protections of children and youth experiencing homelessness.  The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Act is to ensure that homeless children and youth are enrolled in and succeed in school.  The McKinney-Vento Act defines "homeless children and youth" as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

Who's Eligible?

1. Living with other families or friends (i.e. doubled-up housing)
2. Living in hotels or motels
3. Living in homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, or transitional housing
4. Living in cars, abandoned buildings, parks, on the street, or other public spaces
5. Living as a runaway or in homeless youth shelters
6. Living in temporary foster care placement

Eligible Students' Rights

1. Attend school in the attendance area where they are currently living.
2. Attend the school of origin (the school they attended with they became homeless), or the school in which they were last enrolled.
3. Support enrolling and succeeding in school from the district McKinney-Vento Liaison.
4. Receive transportation to their school, if necessary.
5. Free school meals.
6. Services for English Language Learners, Special Education, and/or Gifted Education.
7. Receive tutoring services focusing on academic assistance.

Community Support
Livingston County Community Pantry, (815) 844-1039, 420 N. Plum Street, Pontiac
Habitat for Humanity,(815) 844-2967, 101 N. Mill Street, Pontiac
The Salvation Army, (815) 844-5005, 112 N Division Street, Pontiac
Livingston County Housing Authority, (815) 844-6013, 903 W. North Street, Pontiac