2018 Homeless Edition

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Photo, Getty Images

ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
Helping Homeless Youth
Succeed in College
By Giselle Danger-Mercaderes
Postsecondary education is becoming increasingly vital for gaining employment that pays
enough to afford housing. Postsecondary education is an important determinant in
breaking the cycle of homelessness and improving overall well-being of youth
experiencing homelessness.
The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) supports the transition to postsecondary
education for homeless students. Under the Act, local educational agency (LEA) homeless
liaisons are required to ensure that unaccompanied homeless youth are informed of their status
as independent students for college financial aid and obtain assistance to receive verification for
the FAFSA. Another important mandate is that State McKinney-Vento plans must describe how
homeless youth will receive assistance from school counselors to improve their readiness for
college.
Homeless students often face difficult barriers to transition to college. Barriers can be
particularly challenging for homeless you who have histories of trauma, mobility, and lack of
natural family support. Teachers, counselors, McKinney-Vento liaisons, school homeless liaisons
and service providers can play a key role in supporting the decision to go to college and assisting
youth in the transition.
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WHEN THERE IS NO HOME:
SUPPORTING UNSHELTERED
FAMILIES AND YOUTH
By Julie McCullough
With contributions from Erin Klein and Tonia Nolden
It’s Friday, October afternoon in Jefferson
County. The temperatures during the day is a
comfortable 65. Families and children are on
their way home from work and school. Most
of them are thinking about the fun Fall
activities they will experience this weekend.
A few are consumed with entirely different
thoughts. They are picking up their kids
from school, riding the TARC, standing
outside a shelter, or sitting in their car filled
with the overwhelming stress and fear of
homelessness. Their thoughts are flowing
one after another: Where will we sleep
tonight, I don’t even have enough gas to get
to the shelter, the Coalition bed line said
there is a wait list, the shelter is full, there are
no resources, I can’t afford a TARC ticket,
it’s getting late, it’s getting colder, Where
will I go…
Every afternoon students in JCPS leave
school to these questions. Weekends are likely the worst time for these students as they are not even
sure if they will have a safe place to return to until Monday morning when school starts again.
This year the Office of Student Equity and Community Engagement has encountered significantly
more unsheltered families than in years past. Last year on average about one family a month was
identified as living in a car, in a foreclosed property, on the streets, etc. Most of these families were
able to obtain shelter quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. This year our office is often tracking at
least one to two families a week that are currently living in this situation or recently identified as
unsheltered.
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Unfortunately, the shelters are full, and have been full since this summer. Right now, it is truly a
challenge to find shelter and housing for families experiencing homelessness in Louisville. So
how do we support our most vulnerable families and youth? We interviewed staff from
Louisville Coalition for The Homeless to provide some insight into the problem set and answers
to this question.
Coalition for the Homeless has a multitude of supports and programs that are set out to prevent
homelessness or support persons experiencing homelessness. Their prevention and diversion
program specifically, will work to prevent families and individuals from becoming unsheltered.
They have advocates that will work with community resources, mediate with family members,
work with landlords, reach out to our schools and district, etc. They also have a housing
Navigator that will assist families with locating affordable housing. The prevention and
diversion program will
also conduct
assessments and verify
homelessness. They
will then use those
assessments to
determine programs
best suited for the
family or individual
and connect them to a
multitude of resources
throughout the city.
Coalition for the
Homeless is also the
single point of entry
for all shelter spaces in
the city. They manage
the family wait list for shelters. As such they have an existing relationship with the shelters so
that when a space does become available they are the first to know and have the opportunity to
make referrals.
One of the most important things for school and district staff to understand when explaining the
shelter system to a family is that Coalition for the Homeless is the Single Point of Entry for all
shelter space in the city. There is an existing wait list that is prioritized not by when you call, but
by a needs assessment. Every family is different, and every situation is different. A multitude of
factors will determine the families’ priority for shelter. Furthermore, the Coalition for the
Homeless will scrub the list on a regular basis. Therefore, it is important for families to call on a
regular basis. Our office recommends families call every two days or every time their shelter/
housing situation changes. Since Coalition for the Homeless also has prevention programs
families should also call when they first believe they may experience housing instability, such as
receipt of an eviction notice.
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For schools in contact with unsheltered families, it is important to be sensitive, but also set
realistic expectations with parents about the situation. As it stands there is currently an eviction
crisis and lack of affordable housing in the metro area. Therefore, families currently in shelters,
even those that already have housing vouchers, are struggling to obtain the housing needed to
move out of the shelter.
This has contributed to a
lack of turnover, and
families that have
recently lost housing are
now waiting on the
limited shelter spaces
that exists. Ultimately,
even unsheltered
families may wait a
number of weeks before
obtaining shelter. Some
may meet criteria that
help them obtain shelter
a little quicker, but it still
may be several days or
more. It is important to
inform families that
obtaining immediate
shelter may not be
possible on a given day.
Staff at the Office of Student Equity & Community Engagement know firsthand this is a hard
conversation to have. To make the conversation easier we recommend a few things. First, listen.
Families experiencing homelessness are exposed to an incredible amount of stress and trauma.
This may be expressed in any number of ways to include: a quiet resolute demeanor, crying,
yelling, etc. One of the best things we can do to support a family when they are explaining their
situation is to just listen. When a family senses that we are listening, they are more likely to open
up and share not only their full situation, but details that may be helpful in seeking resources for
their support. Even when we cannot solve the problem in that moment, the family at least has the
opportunity to express their feelings This lets them know you care. The next aspect of the
conversation may be to address any concerns or fears that the family has about confidentiality or
reporting. One of the biggest fears families may have is that they will be reported to Child
Protective Services if they do not have a home, running water, heat, etc. Homelessness in and of
itself is not a reportable offense. It is critical that we let our families know this and help them feel
comfortable sharing their story, so they can obtain needed resources. Finally, do not make any
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false promises. Be supportive, but do not set expectations. We build trust by being honest, and
following through with what we can do.
Staff from the Coalition for the homeless prevention and diversion team had several other
recommendations that may be helpful for our families. As stated previously, the first
recommendation is always for the family to call the Coalition for the Homeless and get support as
early as possible to try and prevent the family from becoming unsheltered. Once a family reaches
out to the Coalition it is important to maintain regular contact with this office. They should also
update critical information such as their living situation which may change the priority for shelter,
and their phone number which will impact the ability for the
Coalition to reach a family when shelter space becomes available.
Next, we should ask the family or youth about family and friends if
they have not mentioned this already. We can ask the family is there
is anyone they know that would allow them to stay with them for a
little while to provide a reprieve. The family can try to reach out and
explain the situation. Even family members that have not had
contact in a while may be willing to help once they hear the situation.
Another preventive measure schools can take is to build relationships
with local resources. Having an existing relationship with nearby
resources will make it easier to reach out when a family is in crisis
with nowhere to go.
Student Equity and Community Engagement will also work with schools to try and maintain
contact with any unsheltered families. When the temperatures are extreme we should remind them
that specific shelters (Salvation Army, Wayside, and St. Vincent DePaul (Men)) will take in any
unsheltered adults and families during white flag conditions. In addition, youth under 18 are
always welcome at Safe Place. Unfortunately, there are unsheltered families and youth in
Louisville. When we are aware that the temperatures have met white flag criteria we should reach
out to our families in this situation and make sure they are aware they can go to the shelter. We are
always honest with our families and explain that the shelter might not be comfortable. If there is no
family space, the family may end up sleeping on mats on the floor. While it is not comfortable, it
is a reprieve from the heat or the cold with showers and warm food. This contact with a shelter
may also benefit the family in the sense that it will lend evidence to the family’s situation which
may ultimately increase the family’s priority level for shelter or housing.
Finally, if there are no other options we recommend families go to Wayside shelter and request
support. The family can always receive a meal and often take showers at this location. The
Student Equity & Community engagement Office will provide TARC tickets for unsheltered
families to get to a shelter for safety. If a family is living in a vehicle we may also calculate the
distance from the school to the shelter to get the family back and forth to the school while the
family is working to gain stable shelter.
One of the biggest things schools and district staff can do is provide our families with helpful
resources. Many of our families can “fill the gap.” The gap means the time that a parent may have
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while the child is in school. For some of our parents this time is filled with work. Others may
use this time to seek out resources that may be helpful for their family. Resources specifically
mentioned by Coalition staff include Jewish Family & Career Services (2821 Klempner Way,
40205), The Nia Center (2900 W. Broadway, 40211), Community Ministries (http://
www.louisvilleministries.org/) , Uniting Partners for Women and Children (day shelter for
women and children, https://www.uplouisville.org/), Jump Start Kentucky (for youth 18-24,
contact nthornton@trueuplouisville.com) TAYLRD (Youth 18-24, drop in center, http://
www.taylrd.org/louisville_dropin_center.php) , Family Scholar House, and Project Keep Safe
(Home of the Innocents program designed to provide care to children while parents receive
treatment for health issues, substance abuse, etc). Additional resources our office refers
families to are Neighborhood Place, Louisville Urban League, and the Housing Navigator
(Alayna Winburn) at Coalition for the Homeless. Numerous other resources in Louisville can
be found by category on a web application called LouieConnect (http://
www.in4mingdesign.com/).
Families can also be supported through both small and large efforts. Some of the little things
many schools are already doing through there the Family Resource and Youth Service Centers
include: keeping a bank of resources on hand (flyers, pamphlets, etc.) maintaining food,
hygiene items, and uniforms on hand, providing Blessings in a Backpack, washing clothing
items for students, and allowing students to take showers or wash up at the school before
classes began. Schools could potentially even allow students to wash clothes after school hours
based on school policy and if the school has a washer/dryer. Some of the larger supports
Coalition recommended is holding a school resources fair; possibly at an activity parents will
already be present for, such as parent teacher conferences. Schools could also create
partnerships so that students can be served through shared resources. Another huge way,
anyone in the city can help a family is by participating in the cities Host Home program. This is
a pilot project in which volunteer families provide temporary housing for young adults from
age 18-24. Those interested can find more information through the link provided here: http://
louhomeless.org/host-homes/.
One of the largest contributing factors to homelessness today is lack of affordable housing.
Unfortunately, this is not an issue that can be addressed overnight. However, all of us can work
to show compassion and support for our families experiencing homelessness. While we cannot
always house or shelter a family overnight, we can work to provide them with the resources
and tools needed to meet their most basic needs and obtain shelter as quickly as possible. We
ask that our schools and community work to support our families, and maybe someday every
child will go home on a Fall Friday excited for weekend activities.
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ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
Tips for Educators
and McKinney-Vento
Liaisons:
1. Support the homeless identification and
make sure eligible students are connected
with the Student Equity and Community
Engagement Department.
2. Reach out to McKinney-Vento eligible
students as early as freshman year to
schedule meetings to discuss postsecondary
options (e.g. four-year institutions,
community colleges, technical colleges,
etc.). Continue meeting with these students
throughout the year to answer questions,
serve as a resource, and remind them of
deadlines. Create a checklist to review each
time you meet to keep them on track. 3. If
students are interested in postsecondary
education, make sure they take the ACT/
SAT exams. Most low-income and
homeless students will qualify for fee
waivers (ACT & SAT). The Student
Equity and Community Engagement can
fund for ACT/SAT exams for homeless
students when needed.
4. Encourage all students to complete the
FAFSA immediately. Even if students
aren’t committed to postsecondary plans, it
is important for them to fill out the FAFSA
so they can receive financial aid if they do
decide to attend higher education.
5. There might be scholarship opportunities
for students, including our Student Equity
Conference and Scholarships.
6. Host a college tour. A college tour is a
great way to experience college life firsthand
and imagine oneself there.
7. Be aware of state laws that offer in-state
tuition, tuition, and fee waivers like
Florida, California, and Maryland.
Tuition and/or Fee Waivers for youth
experiencing homelessness
California AB 801 (2016) (Ca.
Educ. Code §76300)
• Homeless students are exempt from
paying community college student
fees.
Florida §1009.25 (1991)
• A student who lacks a fixed, regular
and adequate nighttime residence,
or who lives in a shelter or a public
or private place not ordinarily used
as regular accommodation, is
exempt from the payment of tuition
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ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
and fees for a school district workforce education program, Florida College System
institution, or state university.
Maryland
HB 482
(2014) and
HB 400
(2016) (Ann.
Code of Md.
§15-106.1)
unaccompanied homeless youth or foster care recipient is exempt from paying tuition
at a public institution of higher education, if the youth is enrolled as a candidate for a
vocational certification, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree prior to turning 25
years old and has applied for federal and state financial aid. Exemption lasts for five
years or until the student receives a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.
•An
Washington SB 2674 (2018)
• Through the Passport to Careers Program, unaccompanied homeless youth and foster
youth receive a scholarship that assists with the cost of attending college (tuition, fees,
books, housing, transportation, and some personal expenses). To meet eligibility
requirements, students must be enrolled at least on a half-time basis with an institution
of higher education or a registered apprenticeship or preapprenticeship in Washington
state by age 21 and not pursue a degree in theology. An eligible student will receive
the scholarship for a maximum of five years after the student first enrolls, or until the
students turns 26 years old, whichever occurs first.
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ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
A YEAR LATER AND LIFE IS
NOT “ALL WELL” FOR MANY
By Debra Albo-Steiger, District Homeless Liaison for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
A
ugust and September 2017 brought three powerful storms that affected three different regions
of the United States. Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast on August 25,
2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in
Florida on September 9, 2018, and
Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto
Rico on September 20, 2017. Needless
to say, these three storms affecting three
areas in such short period of time
impacted not only the lives of people
and the infrastructure of the
communities, but also the assistance
needed for the victims of these storms.
Immediately after Harvey, I reached out
to the Homeless Liaison from Houston,
who described the devastation and those
she knew who lost everything from the storm. I offered whatever assistance that I could provide
from Miami, not realizing that just a mere two weeks later, our community would also be hit by a
storm. Overall, Miami-Dade County was “lucky” with Hurricane Irma, especially compared to
neighboring Monroe County and the middle Florida Keys, which saw massive destruction. Our
district missed seven days of schools and loss of power for one week on average, which was trivial
compared to what we were seeing in Monroe County and Houston. When Hurricane Maria hit
Puerto Rico less than two weeks later, no one could put into words the devastation we all saw on
television and the stories we heard for months after as our community welcomed students from
Puerto Rico into our schools.
The trauma faced by the children, youth, and adults who experience hurricanes or any natural
disaster can be felt for years. A year after these storms, we still see the hardship faced by so many
with roofs that have not been repaired and homes that were not able to be saved. The support
needed for our students who are in homeless situations, especially after facing such a crisis, can be
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overwhelming. As the Homeless Education Program, Project UP-START, we try to do our best to
support our students
without stable housing.
During the 2017-2018
school year, the series
of natural disasters that
affected our country
which destroyed the
homes of youth and
families due to
hurricanes, floods, and
fires was
unprecedented. After
Hurricane Irma
disturbed the lives of so
many in our own
community, and then
Hurricane Maria
brought students and
families from Puerto
Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to Miami-Dade County, the importance of the McKinney-Vento
sub-grant became evident more than ever. With the help of the McKinney-Vento sub-grant, we are
able to serve our students who have been displaced from their homes by offering resources during
a very vulnerable time in their lives. Losing a home is devastating both physically and
emotionally, especially when so many families are separated during homelessness. Thankfully, our
Project UP-START team through the McKinney Vento sub-grant ensures that our students are able
to have the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom, even when they are
without a place to call home.
Our thoughts are with those affected by Hurricanes Michael and Florence, as well as the many
other natural disasters that have impacted so many parts of the country. Please know that our
community and so many others are available to assist in whatever way we can whenever you are
ready for us. A year later and still in the process of rebuilding, we remember those who reached
out to us after Hurricane Irma and are grateful to continue to help students in our community and
other communities throughout the country experiencing homelessness due to natural disasters.
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ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
DISASTER
RESPONSE TOOL
By Milenia Hernandez
In Jefferson County Public School each school has a McKinney-Vento liaison that can support and connect with families
with needed services. This will allow us to respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters effectively.
School districts that have been impacted heavily by disasters agree that the McKinney-Vento Act was the cornerstone of their
response. The following basic checklist can guide the immediate responses to support displaced students.
Checklist
1. It is crucial to identify homeless children and youth as immediately. Students displaced due to natural disaster are the
McKinney-Vento eligible. a) Have enrollment staff use Residency forms / McKinney-Vento enrollment forms for all enrolling
students. Remember that Residency forms are
available in multiple languages. b) Disseminate
McKinney-Vento Information to displaced families.
c) McKinney-Vento posters that describe student
eligibility and provide local liaison contact
information must be visible to all school visitors.
2. Contact the student Equity and Community
Engagement immediately to ensure the eligible
students are identified in IC and provided with the
services they need including transportation.
3. Enroll homeless students immediately even if
they lack school records, proof of address, birth
certificate, immunization records, and proof of
guardianship.
4. Ensure proper academic placement.
5. Request transportation immediately when needed using the Homeless app or by calling the Equity and Community
Engagement Department.
6. Review and revise school policies to remove barriers to the enrollment and retention in school of children and youth
experiencing homelessness.
7. Homeless verification must be handled in such a way that it does not violate privacy or jeopardize housing arrangements.
School district’s attempts to verify a student’s eligibility for McKinney-Vento services must be governed by respect, sensitivity,
and reasonable limits. When in doubt, the district staff must always enroll the student immediately and should seek support from
the Coordinator of Homeless Education
Additional Resources
What School District Administrators Should Know About the Educational Rights of Children and Youth Displaced by Disasters
https://nche.ed.gov/downloads/briefs/csds_admin.pdf
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This Was Not Supposed To Happen To Me…
By Jonathan Houston, Equal Opportunity Schools, former Tukwila School District, WA liaison
“
This was not supposed to happen to me.” That was the first thought that went through my mind during my
first year as a McKinney-Vento liaison. I finally had a decent job and began to progress toward my
professional career in providing equity. I was the guy who was supposed to help everybody else…but
homelessness was not supposed to happen to me.
They say denial is the first step in the road to recovery. At that time, I found myself
without housing and living in a hotel. My newly formed blended-family of six was
supposed to find a three-bedroom house that would accommodate us all, and
perhaps another child. Instead, we had to put up a sheet to split the extended stay
room that was like a studio. Boys on the floor, my step daughter on one bed, and
me and my wife on the other bed. Being in such a tight space forced us to confront
the worst parts of each other. How could healthy growth occur in such an
environment? Perhaps that is why the first pregnancy miscarried in the hotel
bathroom. Again, I thought, “this is not supposed to happen to me.”
However, if homelessness is not supposed to happen to me, then who is it supposed
to happen to? Before that first night in the hotel, I would proclaim advocacy with
my mouth. I would profess that homelessness can happen to anyone. But when I was forced to confront the real
reality, I was the first to reject the surreal experience. After that first night in the hotel, I began to realize the hard
truth of homelessness. The sight of kids playing in the parking lot of a sketchy hotel (because that is their
playground) woke me to the truth. I remember looking in shock as I watched kids leave their bikes in the
parking lot with more acceptance of their situation then I was comfortable to lend.
With my income and discomfort with this living arrangement, I anxiously determined not to remain a resident.
But it was clear to me that the children I saw playing had an aesthetic resilience that allowed them to normalize
what I felt was not fitting to happen to me.
However, the question remains: if homelessness wasn’t supposed to happen to me, why should it happen to
them?
Jonathan has moved to a new position at Equal Opportunity Schools and continues to contribute his insights to
SchoolHouse Connection as an Advisory Board member.
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ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
Martin v. Boise
(Boise, Idaho)
T
he Martin v. Boise
case is part of a
nationwide effort against
the criminalization of
homelessness, led by the
National Law Center on
Homelessness & Poverty
and more than 700 groups
and individuals who
support the Housing Not
Handcuffs Campaign.
Across Unites states,
cities have laws and
policies that criminalize
homelessness, making it illegal for people to sit, sleep, and even eat in public places
—despite the absence of housing or even shelter, and other basic resources.
The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty explains that “these laws and
policies violate constitutional rights, create arrest records and fines & fees that stand
in the way of homeless people getting jobs or housing, and don’t work”. The evidence
is strong that homelessness is reduced in communities that focus on affordable
housing, and not those that focus on handcuffs. The criminalization of homelessness
costs more money than simply solving the problem by ensuring access to adequate
housing.
http://housingnothandcuffs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Martin-v.-
Boise-8x11-
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When Legal Guardians Are Not Present:
Enrolling Students on Their Own
In most schools, enrollment procedures are established on the
expectation that students are living with their parents or legal
guardians. Requiring parents or legal guardians to sign
forms upon enrolling/registering students provides
schools with protection from different types of liability
and with contact information for situations in which
additional permissions are needed.
In a number of instances, however, students who are enrolling
in a school may not be living with their parents or legal
guardians. Often, students in families experiencing
homelessness are sent to live temporarily with friends or
relatives. This type of living arrangement has been especially
prevalent in Jefferson County Public Schools. Other students have been forced to leave
home due to abusive and neglectful environments or are on their own for other reasons.
These children and youth, in most cases, fit the definition of homeless, unaccompanied youth in the
McKinney-Vento Act: a youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian [42 U.S.C.
§11434A(6)] and eligible for immediate school enrollment.
The McKinney-Vento Act requires school districts to enroll homeless children and youth in school
immediately, even if they lack document normally required for enrollment. Enrollment is defined as
“attending classes and participating fully in school activities” [42 U.S.C. §11434A(1)].) The Act also
mandate states to review and revise any policy that may act as a barrier to the enrollment of homeless
children and youth and requires states to give attention to guardianship issues [42 U.S.C. §§11432(g)
(7)].
Therefore, schools cannot require the receipt of proof of legal guardianship by caregivers of homeless,
unaccompanied youth. Schools cannot require caregivers to become legal guardians within a certain
period of time after the child enrolls in school. In addition, it is crucial to note that the absence of an
available caregiver must not obstruct enrollment. Unaccompanied, homeless youth who are on their
own completely must be enrolled in school immediately. Elementary, middle and high schools are
mandated to enroll homeless students immediately. School is the safest place to be for children who
may be in danger. Effective McKinney-Vento implementation helps make schools district a safe place
for homeless students.
Resources
Caregiver Authorization Forms are available to use when appropriate:
http://kyyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/CaregiverAffidavit_Model_10.28.14.pdf
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ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
Q&A
Q: Is there a time limit on how long a child or youth can be considered homeless?
A: No, there is no specific time limit on homelessness. Homelessness is not confined to a school year.
Whether a child or youth meets the definition of homelessness depends upon the living situation and the
individual circumstances.
Q: What criteria should be used to determine if housing is “substandard”?
A: The U.S. Department of Education has determined that factors to consider in determining whether
housing is “substandard” include whether the housing “lacks one of the fundamental utilities such as water,
electricity, or heat; is infested with vermin or mold; lacks a functional part such as a working kitchen or a
working toilet; or may present unreasonable dangers to adults, children, or persons with disabilities.”
Q: Are children and youth who live in trailer homes or trailer parks covered by the Act?
A: Under some circumstances, yes. Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children and youth who live in trailer
parks are covered by the Act if they live in the trailer park “due to the lack of
alternative adequate accommodations.” 42 U.S.C. §11434A(2)(B)(i). Therefore, whether children and youth
living in trailer parks are covered by the Act is a case-by-case determination to be made by the local
McKinney-Vento liaison, in light of the family's circumstances. To make a determination liaisons need to
consider the adequacy of the trailer home, including the number of people living in the trailer, the condition
of the trailer, and the availability of running water, electricity, and other standard utilities.
Q: In the event that a parent is urgently hospitalized for illness or surgery and the child moves temporarily
with a relative in another town, should we consider the child to be homeless?
A: Yes. The child is sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar
reason. The emergency generating the child’s move is similar to the exigencies of homelessness. The child
cannot remain at home alone, so the parent has no choice but to make urgent, temporary arrangements with a
family member. Consequently, schools must have policies in place to accommodate these situations, ensure
school stability, and prevent unnecessary delay in the child’s enrollment.
Q:Is there any procedure in place to prevent families who have permanent housing from claiming to be
homeless just to obtain McKinney-Vento services?
A: Yes. Every district must designate a liaison for students experiencing homelessness who is able to carry
out their duties under the law. One of the liaison's duties is to identify children and youth who meet the
statutory definition of homelessness. The process usually includes processing an eligibility disputes to ensure
access to due process.
Above, a JCPS student is welcomed by
Flash Dads at Wheatley Elementary
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ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
By Christy Ward
downloads/res-summ-teach-class.pdf
Teachers play an important role in the lives of their
students- especially our homeless students. The
teacher may provide the feeling of stability and
safety in the chaotic life of a homeless student.
Below listed are some strategies to help teachers
with classroom environment/culture and improving
academic performance.
The tips were taken from the NCHE website.The
entire article can be found at: https://nche.ed.gov/
Strategies to Help Teachers Improve the Classroom Environment/ Culture
❖ Examine the student’s record for grades, attendance, and background information.
❖ Spend some individual time in the first couple of days to encourage students, ensure they are
adjusting well, and that they understand your willingness to help.
❖ Offer tutoring or review time before or after school or at lunch.
❖ Watch for indications that the student is struggling to adjust
academically, socially, or psychologically.
❖ Create referral procedures for new students who have
difficulty adjusting.
❖ Form a “new student” group.
❖ Set up a mentoring or peer buddy program.
❖ Offer a welcome bag or backpack with school supplies
and snacks.
❖ Keep snacks in the classroom for students who are so
hungry they fall asleep.
❖ Respect students’ right to privacy. Everyone does not need to know
their living arrangements.
❖ Ensure that students do not feel singled out because of their living circumstances.
about
Strategies to Help Teachers Improve the Academic Performance of Homeless/Highly Mobile
Students
❖ Provide clear, achievable expectations. While it is important to consider their challenges and
show compassion to Homeless/Highly Mobile students, do not lower academic requirements
for them.
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ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
❖ Offer tutoring. Thirty or forty minutes a few times a week can dramatically increase a
homeless child’s achievement level (Knowlton, 2006).
❖ Assemble a packet with information and expectations for each class.
❖ Be aware that each school move can delay academic progress and that many HHM students
find it more difficult to engage and learn because of their prior negative school experiences,
such as attending schools where transient students were not well supported.
❖ Be flexible with assignments. Some tasks, such as projects requiring materials that students
cannot afford, might be difficult or impossible for mobile students to complete.
Assignments to write about a summer vacation, conduct a backyard science project,
construct a family tree, or bring in a baby picture can be impossible for a child who has
moved frequently or suddenly. Instead, offer several alternatives from which all students
can choose.
❖ Allow students to finish assignments independently, or give them the opportunity to
complete tasks at their own pace.
❖ Create a portfolio to document the student’s work, personal characteristics, and preferred
learning style. If the student must transfer, the portfolio offers the next teacher a quick, easy
way to pick up where the former teacher left off (Berliner, 2002).
❖ Rather than interpreting parental absences as a lack of commitment to their children’s
education, ask families what you can do to support an ongoing partnership. Phone
conferences might be a good alternative. Initiating an interactive journal with the parent
about what’s happening at school and at home could help with teacher–parent dialogue.
❖ Offer after-hours (evening or Saturday) and off-site parent meetings.
❖ Talk with parents about class expectations and the challenges of changing schools mid-year.
❖ Allow a variety of method and topic options for student assignments.
❖ Broaden the diversity of families depicted in the books and materials in the classroom to
include homeless, foster, and other mobile family and youth situations.
❖ Consider doing a unit on foster care during May (National Foster Care Month) or on hunger
and homelessness in November (National Homeless Youth Awareness month and National
Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week).
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ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
Operation White Flag
By: Kasey Carlson
As the seasons change and temperatures drop
here in Louisville, most of us already have the
heat turned on in our homes and are staying
warm and cozy at night. Unfortunately, not everyone in
Louisville has a warm place to stay at night and as it gets
colder. Hypothermia becomes a safety concern for those
that are homeless and staying on the streets.
The Coalition for the Homeless strives to keep
individuals living outside safe with a program called
Operation White Flag. Operation White Flag is a program
that ensures homeless people can find shelter during
extreme temperatures. When the wind chill is at or below
35 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index is at or above 95
degrees Fahrenheit Operation White Flag goes into effect.
The shelters in Louisville that participate in Operation
White Flag are St. Vincent DePaul, Salvation Army, and
Wayside Christian Mission. St. Vincent DePaul Shelter
can accept men during White Flag and Salvation Army
and Wayside Christian Mission accepts families. The
shelter rules are lax during White Flag which allows
shelters to use overflow areas and accept people that may
not typically be allowed in the shelter due to lack of ID or
behavior issues.
When Operation White Flag is in effect the shelters that
participate fly a white flag outside to let homeless know
they can seek shelter inside. Wayside Christian Mission
has a volunteer Samaritan Patrol that searches for
homeless people who have not yet found shelter during
Operation White Flag. For those who do not wish to go to
the shelter, the Samaritan Patrol will leave food and
blankets. Individuals can also contact the Coalition for the
Homeless Bed-One Stop number at 637-2337 to find out
when Operation White Flag is in effect.
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ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
Our new blog!
The Student Equity & Community Engagement office has a new blog. You can
access by following this link: http://jcpsstudentequity.blogspot.com/. It can be a
good resource for JCPS employees, school homeless liaisons, parents and youth.
Under the JCPS employee tab you can find the homeless liaison in each school,
print out Residency Forms in all available languages and check out some helpful
hints.
For our school homeless liaisons we have a tab that includes quick links for
important features such as the Transportation & Resource App, Dispute Form, Gas
Card Application, McKinney Vento Posters and useful Resources. The
transportation app allows the school homeless liaisons to submit transportation
requests through our office. The dispute form link gives access to our dispute
resolution form for disputes on enrollment issues or other issues that may arise
with our McKinney-Vento eligible families. The McKinney-Vento posters are
available for print out in English and Spanish.
The youth tab section has information about our scholarships, youth shelters and
housing, YMCA Safe Place, housing programs for 18-24 year old youth, Family
Scholarhouse, Job Corps, and drop in centers. There is also a link to NAEHCY
scholarships.
Our blog also tells you a little more about our office and what we do as well as our
upcoming events. And you can check out the latest addition of Envision Equity.
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ENVISION EQUITY HOMELESS EDUCATION SPECIAL EDITION
Tim Calloway
Tim is custodian that serves the Student Equity and
Community Engagement office. He is so helpful and is
always goes above and beyond to make sure our office is
taken care of. He has helped us find space to put all of
the physical resources we offer as well as moving those
items around for us. He’s even stocked shelves in our
food pantry. He really cares about children and always
wants to do anything he can to help our homeless
students.
Amanda Nelson
Amanda is a practicum student here at the Student
Equity and Community Engagement office. She is a
student at U of L Kent School for Social Work. She has
been working on ensuring our homeless students are
identified by going through the thousands of residency
forms JCPS families have to complete each year. She is
also very helpful with delivering items to families. She
has met up with families at shelters to deliver items for
students.
Tonya Clinkscales
Tonya is a manager of operations in the Transportation
Department and she is in charge of setting up
transportation for McKinney-Vento eligible students as
well as students in foster care. She breaks down one of
the biggest barriers for families who choose to stay at
their school of origin. She also advocates for our
families who need transportation to school, and when it
seems almost impossible, she gets creative to ensure
students make it to and from school safely. She even has
a van for students who temporarily move to Indiana.
Amanda Averrette-Bush
Amanda is a specialist in the Student Assignment Office.
She ensures our students who are McKinney-Vento
eligible are able to enroll their school of origin. At the
beginning of the school year this took a lot of effort to
put in overrides for those students. __ overrides were put
on by Amanda this school year. She also helps us
problem solve when enrollment issues occur; such as a
family not staying at an actual address. Amanda helps
identify homeless students as well by notifying our office
when she is working with a family who is.
Melania Hernandez
Melinia is also a practicum student for the Student
Equity and Community Engagement office. She is also a
student at U of L Kent School for Social Work. She has
helped us breakdown the language barrier we
experience with some of our families. As the only other
Spanish speaker in the office besides Giselle, she has
helped us translate for many families. This allows us to
make sure we know what the needs of the family are so
they can be met. She has even translated a form our
office uses to ensure Spanish speaking parents can
complete and understand the form.
Police Officer in Louisville
An anonymous police officer here in the city of
Louisville paid for a hotel for one of our homeless
families here in JCPS this month. Even though we did
not get his name, we wanted to say thank you for
advocating for this family and providing them with a
roof over their heads. This meant a lot to the family that
had nowhere to go.
Images obtained from Google Images.
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