RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS & FORECLOSURE

The homeless education liaison in every public school district ensures that all students are provided with seamless educational services regardless of their current housing situation.

Students eligible for support are those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and may include:

• those living on the street, in a car, in an abandon building, etc
• those living in shelters and transitional housing programs
• those living in campgrounds, motels and hotels
• those who are doubled up with family or friends due to loss of housing
• those recently placed in a foster home (eligible for at least six months, possibly longer)
• those who have runaway or otherwise are not accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Click here for the definition of homeless under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Students in the above living situations may attend school where they attended prior to losing their housing with transportation provided, or they may immediately enroll in the district where they are temporarily staying (even if they lack enrollment documents such as birth certificates, immunizations, and proof of residency).

The State and district Homeless Student Education Program works with local homeless student liaisons in each district to assist with enrollment and transportation arrangements.  The program can assist with school supplies, necessary school clothing, connection to tutoring supports, and assistance with cost of school activities and programs. In some instances, students may be eligible for summer school free of charge.  Graduating seniors can also receive information regarding college application and financial aid opportunities for homeless students.

If you, your family or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please check out the resources below:

Oakland County families & students can contact the Oakland Schools Homeless Student Education Program for more information and assistance.

Macomb County families and students may contact the Macomb Intermediate School District Education Project for Homeless Children and Youth

Please contact Operation: Kid Equip if you would like referral and contact assistance within any  Michigan school district.

Nationally, you can contact the NCHE helpline toll-free at 1-800-308-2145  for help in getting a homeless child into school.  You can also e-mail homeless@serve.org to reach The SERVE Center.

Helpful Publications:

Supporting the Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Apoyando la Educación de los Niños y Jóvenes Sin Hogar

What You Need to Know to Help Your Child in School: A Guide for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
Lo que Necesita Saber para Ayudar a Su Hijo en la escuela: Una Guía para Padres, Tutores, y Encargados

Information for Parents
Información para Padres

Information for School-Aged Youth
Información para Jóvenes de Edad Escolar

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WHOSE FAMILIES HAVE LOST THEIR HOMES TO FORECLOSURE
AYUDA PARA ESTUDIANTES EN FAMILIAS QUE HAN PERDIDO SU CASA DEBIDO A UNA EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA (folleto):

Support for Students whose Families Have Lost Their Homes to Foreclosure (brochure)

Operation: Kid Equip is a member of the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY).  The NAEHCY is the voice and social conscience for the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness.

Operation: Kid Equip also shares information and resources provided by Hear Us, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to giving voice and visibility to homeless children and youth.

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