The federal homeless law is called the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, first signed in 1987.  The IU has managed a McKinney site since 1989.  There is funding to help homeless children and youth and a Regional Site Coordinator that represents the thirteen school districts of Bucks County.

The Coordinator position serves a variety of purposes intended to manage the project in the most effective and efficient manner.  Problem solving, public relations, increasing awareness of how to help homeless children, encouraging homeless parents, outreach visits and mailings, tracking of students and making referrals are some of the key activities.

We try to minimize disruption by making every effort to keep the homeless student in his or her school of origin (or current school).  There are many benefits which the HCI can offer, so make that first call to help a homeless child!

• 1-800-770-4822 (Ext. 1361)
• (215) 340-1964 (fax)
• tnorlen@bucksiu.org

What are the key aspects of the law?

Who is homeless?
 

If a family, out of necessity due to a lack of housing, must reside in a shelter, motel, vehicle, campground, on the street, or doubled up with relatives or friends, they are presently homeless.

Is it necessary to prove residency?

Residence, traditionally equated with domicile (home), does not apply where homeless children and youth are concerned.  Because you are presently unable to establish a home on a permanent basis, a school can not require proof of residency that might prevent or delay the enrollment of school age children in your family.

Which school can the children attend?

There is a choice, whichever is in the child's or youth's best interests.

1. The school of origin, which is the school attended when permanently housed, or the school in which the student was last enrolled, or
2. The student may enroll in the appropriate school in the attendance area where he or she is actually living.

What does the Homeless Children's Initiative (HCI) offer?

One of the main goals of the HCI is to help each homeless student have as normal of a school life as possible during the period of homelessness. Examples of services are:

• Help w/School Registration
• School Supplies/Project Fees
• School Clothes/Shoes
• Arranging Transportation
• Help w/records

• Agency referrals
• Shelter Questions
• Help w/School Issues
• Outreach visits
• Attend meetings w/parents

What training materials and publications are available?

These items are available at no charge:

• What You Should Know About Homeless Students' booklet
• Parent Pack
• BCIU Homeless Children's Initiative flyer
• A variety of handouts by school job title (teachers, nurse, etc.)

  What can you do to help in the schools?

With 13 school districts, 125 schools, 10 shelters and dozens of agencies, the need for continual training and communication is vital.  Every school year finds staff changes at all locations.

Getting a Right to Education poster in every school and being available to explain the federal law and BEC 42 U.S.C. 11301 has lead to many students being admitted to school more swiftly.  Each of the 13 school districts has a Homeless Student Liaison, which has also resulted in smoother and less stressful admissions.

If you identify a homeless student in your school, please let us know so we can offer the family our services.

Would you like to set up a workshop about homeless students?

Tom Norlen, Regional Site Coordinator, will customize a workshop to meet the needs and goals of your group.  The training is offered at no charge.  At least 3 weeks are needed to properly plan.  Call Tom Norlen at 1-800-770-4822 (Ext. 1361)