What is McKinney-Vento?

McKinney-Vento Definition For Homelessness

Who is considered homeless?

Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act, and the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act, defines homelessness as living in the following places due to a lack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

• In an emergency or transitional shelter
• In a motel, hotel, or campground due to lack of an adequate alternative
• In a car, park, public place, bus or train station, or abandoned building
• Doubled-up with relatives or friends due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
• In the above conditions and is a migratory child or youth
• Further descriptions of nighttime residence

This definition of homelessness applies to children and youth with:

• Uncertain housing
• A temporary address
• No permanent physical address

Eligibility updates for unaccompanied youth

On December 13, 2019, Superintendent’s Memo 283-19 was released with information about eligibility for services under the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act for youth not living with their parents. This memo indicates that students who move in with a friend or relative because of a CPS safety plan or other planned circumstance should not be considered to meet eligibility criteria for McKinney-Vento. For additional information, please see the following:

Where can a child or youth without a fixed, regular, and adequate residence attend school?

• The school the child or youth attended before becoming homeless or was last enrolled (school of origin)
• The school in the attendance area where the child or youth is currently living

How can delays be avoided when enrolling a student experiencing homelessness in school?

• Enroll the student immediately
• Contact the previous school and ask that the records be sent electronically or shared over the phone
• Contact the principal, school counselor, or local McKinney-Vento liaison with any concerns
• Contact the local McKinney-Vento liaison to support unaccompanied youth when enrolling in school

Additional Information:

• Confirming Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Rights and Services
• Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness under Title I, Part A
• Enrollment & Immunizations

For more information on enrollment and services for students experiencing homelessness, contact your division’s McKinney-Vento liaison.