McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
At Gavin School District 37, we are committed to ensuring that housing instability does not stand in the way of a student's education. Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, we work to remove barriers to enrollment and attendance, ensuring every child has the right to a stable and successful school experience.
The McKinney-Vento Act protects children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes students who are:
- Doubled-Up: Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons.
- Transitional Living: Residing in emergency or transitional shelters.
- Temporary Lodging: Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to a lack of alternative adequate accommodations.
- Unsheltered: Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or substandard housing.
- Migratory: Children living in any of the circumstances described above.
Eligible students have specific rights to ensure their education remains uninterrupted:
- Immediate Enrollment: Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required (immunizations, proof of residency, or birth certificates).
- School of Origin: The right to stay in the school the student attended when last permanently housed, or the school last enrolled in, if it is in the student's best interest.
- Transportation: Receive transportation to and from the school of origin at the request of the parent, guardian, or district liaison.
- Full Participation: Access to all school services, including nutrition programs (free meals), special education, preschool, and extracurricular activities.
- Dispute Resolution: The right to appeal a school’s decision regarding eligibility or enrollment.
If you believe your child may be eligible for McKinney-Vento services, please contact Gavin School District 37 McKenney-Vento Liaison:
Dr. Meagan Dwyer
847-546-9336 ext. 221
Additional Resources:
Text 211: Or visit www.211lakecounty.org for local health and human services.
Lake County Homeless Assistance
ISBE McKinney-Ventro Education for Homeless Children
National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE): 1-800-308-2145 or nche.ed.gov