Older students experiencing homelessness, including unaccompanied homeless youth, face significant barriers to reaching high school graduation. There are several resources available to these youth to assist them in areas such as obtaining vital documents and identification, navigating the FAFSA process, accessing financial aid, and finding local Career and Technical Assistance programs.
Identification for GED Testing
For McKinney-Vento students, this form can be presented in place of a driver’s license if all the information (date of birth, address, signature, and the student’s picture) is included.
Obtaining Vital Documents
This resource offers legal advice for youth in obtaining vital documents. This national hotline for youth can provide resources and assistance in obtaining state ID cards and licenses, birth certificates, social security cards, and documents needed to get an ID or license.
Advocates for Richmond Youth
There are several challenges to serving homeless youth in Richmond, Virginia: a lack of resources, long waiting lists for the few resources that are available, and a lack of information on the scope of homelessness among Richmond’s youth. Advocates for Richmond Youth has collected important information from youth and service providers to better understand how the system works and what they can do to get the help they need to move forward in addressing youth homelessness in their community. They use research to take action to affect change in the Richmond community, including providing training for service providers who work with youth.
FAFSA
If you are experiencing homelessness and considering applying to college, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can feel overwhelming. SchoolHouse Connection offers several resources to help to navigate this process.
Career & Technical Education
There are several Career & Technical Education centers in Virginia that offer programs and pathways that ensure career and college success for each learner.
Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
Unaccompanied homeless youth are young people experiencing homelessness who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. There are several resources available to help remove the barriers that unaccompanied homeless youth commonly face.
- SchoolHouse Connection – This national advocacy organization provides resources that identify the rights and resources available to unaccompanied homeless youth.
- National Runaway Safeline – Runaway youth can call 1(800)-RUNAWAY or visit this website for 24/7 crisis support. Educators and service providers can also access curriculum to educate young people about the alternatives to running away.
College Access
There are many resources available to help youth experiencing homelessness succeed in college. If you are a student experiencing homelessness seeking resources as you pursue a higher education or an educator or service provider looking for ways to better support these students, please see our page with college access resources.